Uganda’s women’s national basketball team, the Gazelles, etched their names into the history books on Wednesday at the SEC in Glasgow, capturing a landmark silver medal in the 3×3 Basketball event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Making their debut appearance at the Games, the Ugandan side delivered an extraordinary campaign that culminated on the podium, establishing the nation as a rising force in international basketball.
The Gazelles’ remarkable journey to the final reached its peak earlier in the day with an emphatic 21-9 victory over New Zealand in the semifinals.
That dominant performance guaranteed Uganda a historic medal before they even stepped onto the court for the final showdown against tournament favourites Australia.
Facing an Australian squad featuring the formidable trio of Amy Atwell, Lara McSpadden, and Marena Whittle, though missing the injured Emma Clarke, head coach Nicholas Natuhereza’s team entered the final as clear underdogs.
The two sides had met previously in the group stage, where Australia handed Uganda a 21-9 defeat. Undeterred by their earlier setback, the Gazelles produced a much-improved performance in the final, displaying grit and determination against a physically imposing opponent before eventually succumbing to a 21-11 defeat.
Melisa Akullu spearheaded Uganda’s effort in the gold medal match, leading the scoring with seven points. Jamila Nansikombi chipped in with three points, while Jane Asinde added a point to the tally.
Although Perus Nyamwenge was kept off the scoresheet in the final, her impressive work rate and contributions in earlier rounds remained vital to the team’s overall success throughout the tournament.
While the final result fell just short of the ultimate prize, the silver medal represents a watershed moment for Ugandan sports.
The Gazelles’ maiden Commonwealth Games outing concluded not just with silverware, but with a statement of intent that will resound through African basketball for years to come.
