The Mountain Dew UG3x3 Nationwide Series returns on October 10 with 7 qualifying stops and Shs21m in total prize money.
Mbarara hosts the opening round of the 3rd edition, which concludes with the grand finale in Kampala on November 28.
The calendar restores the 7-qualifier format used in the inaugural edition, offering more competitive opportunities than last year’s shorter programme.
In 2025, the series featured qualifiers in Mukono, Mbarara, Kampala and Gulu before the national final at Lugogo.
This year, Mbale returns to the circuit, while Kampala will host 3 qualifying rounds before staging the grand finale.
Organised by Red Rhino Sports and Mountain Dew in association with the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba), the competition brings together men’s and women’s teams.
St Noa chase 3rd crown
St Noa’s pursuit of a 3rd consecutive championship will provide a major storyline in the women’s competition.
They won the inaugural title in 2024, defeating the experienced Team 3-Peat 16-11 at Lugogo Hockey Grounds.
St Noa retained the championship in 2025, establishing themselves as the team to beat when the new campaign begins.
Bushira Namayanja, Resty Nanangwe, Maxine Anyango and Josephine Adikini formed the team that secured the second title.
Their successive victories have set the benchmark for challengers seeking to break their hold on the women’s national crown.
Cole World won the inaugural men’s championship after defeating VBL in the final, collecting the Shs2m winners’ prize.
More stops, same principal prizes
Organisers have allocated Shs2m to each qualifier and Shs7m to the grand finale, bringing the overall prize pool to Shs21m.
Men’s and women’s champions at each qualifying stop will receive Shs500,000 apiece, while runners-up will earn Shs200,000 each.
At the grand finale, the winning teams will collect Shs2m each, with runners-up receiving Shs1m apiece.
Those principal team prizes match the amounts offered during the 2025 edition, when qualifier winners also received Shs500,000.
Mountain Dew brand manager Grace Namutebi said the series provides a platform for emerging players to showcase their abilities.
“This platform brings together young teams from across the country in a dynamic competition designed to showcase emerging basketball talent and foster greater participation in the sport,” Namutebi said in the organisers’ statement.
Fuba technical director Nicholas Natuhereza also welcomed the additional opportunities for players to compete and prepare for international assignments.
“Having local 3×3 events like this is extremely important for us,” Natuhereza said.
Mbarara tips off
Following the October 10 opener, Kampala hosts the second qualifier on October 17 before the circuit moves to Mbale on October 24.
Another Kampala round follows on October 31, with Mukono hosting on November 7 and Kampala again on November 14.
Gulu stages the last qualifier on November 21, leaving a week before the grand finale in Kampala.
The restored calendar gives teams more opportunities to compete across the regions before the national titles are decided.