The much-anticipated 2026 edition of the Mountain Dew UG3x3 Nationwide Series has officially been launched, promising basketball enthusiasts a bigger, more rewarding season. Now entering its third consecutive year, the tournament continues to capitalize on the soaring popularity of 3×3 basketball locally and internationally, serving as a crucial stepping stone for Uganda’s broader Olympic ambitions.
With Uganda actively contending for a historic qualification spot in 3×3 basketball at the 2028 Olympic Games, local circuits carry immense weight. Speaking at the launch event, Mountain Dew Brand Manager Grace Namutebi emphasized the brand’s unwavering dedication to the nation’s youth and athletic development.
“We are proud to be the title sponsor of the UG3x3 Series for the 3rd year in a row, strengthening Mountain Dew’s commitment to supporting youth through one of the most popular sports in Uganda,” Namutebi stated. “3×3 basketball is fast, expressive, and driven by a generation of young people who refuse to sit on the sidelines.”
The sentiment was echoed by Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) Technical Director Nicholas Natuhereza, who stressed how pivotal these domestic fixtures are for the national teams.
“Having local 3×3 events like this is extremely important for us. Not only do they help our players in their preparations for international outings, but they also give us points that contribute to our International Ranking,” Natuhereza explained. “As we all know, the women’s team is still in the running for qualifying for 3×3 basketball at the 2028 Olympic Games, and we need more events like this to boost our preparations.”
Organized in partnership with Red Rhino Sports, the 2026 tournament features an expanded format designed to unearth emerging talent nationwide. The tour comprises seven rigorous qualifying stops across different regions, culminating in a high-stakes Grand Finale featuring the top 20 men’s and women’s teams.
Financial incentives have also seen a notable boost this season. Each qualifying stop boasts a total prize pool of UGX 2,000,000, with both the men’s and women’s category winners taking home UGX 500,000, while the runners-up secure UGX 200,000. The stakes heighten significantly at the National Finals, where a total prize pool of UGX 7,000,000 is up for grabs—awarding UGX 2,000,000 to the ultimate champions and UGX 1,000,000 to the runners-up in both divisions.
