Uganda’s women’s 3×3 basketball team etched their names into the history books on Thursday by securing a historic silver medal at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games after falling 21-11 to Australia in the gold medal match.
The quartet of Melissa Akullu, Jane Asinde, Jamila Nansikombi and Perus Nyamwenge fought with determination and resilience throughout the final but found themselves up against a powerful Australian side that combined superior size, physicality and exceptional long-range shooting to retain control of the contest. Australia had also handed Uganda their only defeat during the group stage.
Despite narrowly missing out on the gold medal, the Gazelles departed Glasgow with immense pride after becoming Commonwealth Games silver medallists in the sport’s debut appearance on the Games programme. Their achievement also earned Team Uganda its second silver medal of the Games, following para swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe’s podium finish two days earlier.
The championship match proved one hurdle too many for the spirited Ugandans. Australia established an early advantage through accurate shooting from beyond the arc and dominant play around the basket, making it difficult for Uganda to build any sustained momentum despite several determined spells.
Uganda’s journey to the final was nothing short of extraordinary and captured the imagination of basketball fans both in Glasgow and back home. The Gazelles began their campaign in emphatic fashion with victories over Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Kenya before comfortably defeating Fiji to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
Following their lone group-stage setback against Australia, the Ugandans responded magnificently. They overcame Tonga in the quarterfinals before delivering one of the tournament’s biggest statements with a commanding 21-9 victory over New Zealand in the semifinals to book a historic place in the gold medal match.
Throughout the competition, the Gazelles earned widespread admiration for their fearless and energetic style of play. Their relentless defensive pressure, swift ball movement and commanding inside presence from Melissa Akullu and Jane Asinde made them one of the tournament’s most exciting teams and firmly established Uganda among the elite nations in Commonwealth 3×3 basketball.
The elusive gold medal remained just out of reach, but the Gazelles returned home having rewritten Uganda’s basketball history. Their silver-medal finish marks the country’s finest achievement in Commonwealth 3×3 basketball and stands as a testament to the team’s remarkable growth, resilience and growing stature on the international stage.
The memorable campaign will be remembered as one of Team Uganda’s standout performances at Glasgow 2026, providing further evidence that the Gazelles have emerged as a genuine force in world 3×3 basketball and inspiring the next generation of Ugandan players to dream even bigger.
Discover more from Sbk Sports Mail
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Finance Trust Bank FUFA WSL 2026/2027 Fixtures.
FWSL - MATCH DAY 1 FIXTURE
 
(1)
3 - 02026/2027
Kawempe Muslims LFC vs Jinja United WFC |
 
(1)
0 - 12026/2027
She Corporate FC vs St.Noa Girls Zana FC |
 
(1)
0 - 32026/2027
URA Ladies FC vs KCCA WFC |
 
(1)
1 - 02026/2027
Makerere University vs Amus College WFC |
 
(1)
0 - 12026/2027
LADY DOVES FC vs Uganda Martyrs LWFC |
 
(1)
0 - 32026/2027
Rines SS WFC vs She Maroons FC |
AROUND THE SPORTING WORLD
- Vula’s Debut Header Gives Uganda Cranes Victory Over Libya
The victory leaves Uganda at the top of Group H with four points from two matches. Tunisia and Botswana follow on two points each after their entertaining 2–2 draw, while Libya remain on one point following their opening two fixtures. - Uganda Martyrs 4-1 Rines SS WFC: Auki Stars as Four-Star Kidda Girls March to the Summit
The victory lifted Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC to the top of the 12-team standings with six points from two matches and a goal difference of +4. They are currently the only team in the league to have collected maximum points from their opening two fixtures. - KCCA Women 0-0 St. Noa Girls FC: Nakirya’s Heroics Earn Belles Valuable Point in Lugogo
Nakirya's heroics provided the headline at Lugogo, particularly her outstanding last-minute save to deny Muduwa, but the result was built on a collective effort. From Anomo and the defensive unit to Kasemire and the midfielders, St. Noa demonstrated the organisation and determination required to frustrate one of the league's leading sides. - URA Ladies FC 2-0 Makerere University WFC: Tax Collectors Bounce Back with First Super League Win
For URA, the focus will now shift towards consistency. Having recovered impressively from their opening-day setback, the Tax Collectors will be keen to reproduce the same attacking purpose, defensive discipline and composure when they travel to Masindi. - Preview: Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC Target Back-to-Back Wins as Rines SS WFC Seek First Points
The history between the two sides suggests that another competitive encounter could be in store. Since 2022, Uganda Martyrs and Rines SS WFC have met 10 times in league competition, with Uganda Martyrs winning four matches, Rines winning two and the other four ending in draws.
