The fifth edition of the KT Rach Women’s Basketball Tournament is on today – Sunday, October 25 – at Lugogo Indoor Arena, with organisers targeting secondary school girls through basketball and educational initiatives.
Tournament proprietor Rachael Kuliva says the focus on school-girls is intended to help them recognise their potential and develop important life skills at a critical stage of their lives.
“We believe that many talented girls simply need the right platform to shine,” Kuliva said, adding that the tournament seeks to build confidence, leadership, discipline and teamwork while encouraging the girls to pursue their ambitions both on and off the court.
She emphasised that the initiative goes beyond winning trophies, with the organisers keen to use sport to empower young girls and create opportunities for personal development.
The 14 participating schools have been drawn into four groups ahead of the one-day competition.
Pool A: St. Augustine’s College Wakiso, Exodus College, Janan Schools and St. Julian High School.
Pool B: Lowell Girls, Watoto, St. Cyprian Kyabakadde and Mirembe Secondary School.
Pool C: Kira Secondary School, Kyadondo Secondary School and St. Noa Girls.
Pool D: Ndejje Secondary School, Kajjansi Progressive and Mbogo Mixed Secondary School.
The group stage will follow a round-robin format, with the top team from each pool advancing directly to the semi-finals. A total of 18 games will be played, with each match consisting of two 10-minute halves.
In the build-up to the tournament, organisers earlier partnered with Women’s National Basketball League side KCCA Leopards to visit participating schools and sensitise the girls about personal hygiene.
Kuliva says the broader objective is to increase girls’ participation in basketball by providing opportunities to compete, improve their skills and benefit from mentorship and support.
She also highlighted challenges that affect girls beyond sport, particularly access to education and personal hygiene, including menstrual health.
Through awareness campaigns, partnerships and support initiatives, the organisers hope to address some of these barriers and create an environment where girls can participate in sport with confidence while continuing their education.
“Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that girls have opportunities to excel in sport while continuing their education and developing into confident, empowered young women,” Kuliva added.
The tournament will also feature a rematch between Team Siima and Team Park, who contested the final of the previous edition, adding a competitive highlight to an event that blends basketball, education and empowerment.
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