Written By | Alex Mbamanya
A Maryhill girls school basketball player (blue) tries to stop a Elite High School opponent during the JOVOC Open basketball open in Mbarara over the weekend
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Mbarara
Preparations for this year’s edition of the JOVOC Open Basketball Tournament have intensified, with more than 40 schools registering ahead of the event scheduled for Saturday, June 7, at St Joseph’s Vocational School Nyamitanga courts. According to event organiser Alex Byamukama, all is set for the 13th edition, with several improvements introduced to spice up the competition. “We are ready in terms of facilities, officials, and welfare. Each school that will participate will receive a basketball and a set of uniforms from our sponsors as we continue to develop basketball in Western Uganda,” he said.
Tumwebaze Joshua (red) of Elite High team B goes for a layup during the JOVOC Open basketball championship. Elite B won the boys' accolade
Byamukama noted that over the past 12 years, the tournament has significantly improved competition and participation, especially in Western Uganda, and expressed optimism about the sport’s continued growth.
“This tournament has been one of the best-organised competitions in the country. This year, we hope to attract even more teams because of our consistency over the years. We have seen positive changes in the sport in the region and aim to nurture more young talent and prepare them for national competitions at the beginning of each year,” he added.
Elite High School B won the boys' accolade
Hosts and organisers St Joseph’s will be seeking a return to the podium after winning only the inaugural 2013 edition, with subsequent titles eluding them. Meanwhile, the most decorated side and neighbours, Maryhill High School, will be aiming to defend their title and claim a sixth championship.
Elite High School Entebbe will be chasing a third consecutive title after winning the 2024 and 2025 editions in dominant fashion.
Rev Fr Christopher Katono (black) awards JOVOC Basketball Open girls champions Maryhill High School
2013 – St Joseph’s
2014 – Nyakasura School
2015 – Kabale Trinity College
2016 – Nyakasura School
2017 – Kabale Trinity College
2018 – Masaka SS
2019 – Nakivale Youth Basketball Academy
2020 – Ndejje SS
2021 – Not played (COVID-19)
2022 – Bethel Covenant College
2023 – Nakivale Youth Basketball Academy
2024 – Elite High School Entebbe
2025 – Elite High School Entebbe
2026 – To be decided
2013 – Maryhill
2014 – Maryhill
2015 – St Mary’s Vocational School Kyamuhunga
2016 – Maryhill
2017 – Maryhill
2018 – Exodus College
2019 – Exodus College
2020 – St Noa Girls SS
2021 – Not played (COVID-19)
2022 – St Noa Girls SS
2023 – Ndejje SS
2024 – Elite High School
2025 – Maryhill
2026 – To be decided
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