Uganda Targets Major Sports Infrastructure Boost with Planned 15,000-Seater Arena,During the BAL playoffs opening press conference FIBA Africa President, Anibal Manave spoke about Uganda’s growing ambitions in sports infrastructure

Uganda is setting its sights on becoming one of East Africa’s emerging basketball and sports entertainment hubs after plans were revealed to construct a modern 15,000-capacity indoor arena within the next two years.
The announcement was highlighted during the opening press conference of the Basketball Africa League Playoffs, where Anibal Manave praised Uganda’s growing ambition in developing sports infrastructure capable of hosting major continental events.
The proposed arena project reflects a wider trend across East Africa, where governments and private investors are increasingly turning to sports infrastructure as a tool for economic growth, tourism, and youth development.

East Africa Following Kigali’s Model
Over the past few years, Kigali has become a benchmark for arena-led development after successfully hosting major basketball and entertainment events at the BK Arena. The venue has transformed Rwanda into one of Africa’s leading destinations for international sports competitions and concerts.
Uganda now hopes to replicate part of that success by creating a multi-purpose arena capable of attracting international basketball tournaments, concerts, exhibitions, and conferences.
Meanwhile, Nairobi is also pushing forward discussions around modern indoor arenas and long-term sports investment projects as competition grows among East African cities seeking to become regional sports capitals.
Basketball Growth Driving Infrastructure Investment
The rapid expansion of the Basketball Africa League has played a major role in encouraging African countries to invest heavily in sports facilities

With BAL franchises continuing to grow in popularity, countries are beginning to recognize the economic and developmental opportunities tied to hosting games and building professional sports ecosystems.

Experts believe Uganda’s planned arena could:
- Boost sports tourism
- Create employment opportunities
- Improve youth basketball development
- Attract international investors
- Increase Uganda’s chances of hosting continental tournaments
Uganda’s Sports Vision Expanding
The arena project also aligns with Uganda’s broader vision of improving its sporting infrastructure ahead of future regional and continental competitions.
If completed within the proposed timeline, the facility could become one of the largest indoor arenas in East Africa and position Uganda as a serious destination for basketball and entertainment events.
As African basketball continues to rise globally, infrastructure projects such as these are laying the foundation for a stronger and more competitive future for sports across the continent.
