The Mountain Dew UG3x3 Series will return for its third edition with an expanded women’s age bracket and increased financial rewards as Uganda’s premier nationwide 3×3 basketball circuit gets underway this month.
The 2026 series, launched on Thursday, will feature seven qualifying circuits across the country, culminating in a Grand Finale in Kampala on November 28.
Organisers have raised the stakes this year, with each qualifying stop carrying a Shs2 million prize purse, while the Grand Finale will offer Shs7 million in total prize money.
Winners in both the men’s and women’s categories at each qualifying stop will earn Shs500,000, with runners-up taking home Shs200,000.
At the Grand Finale, winners in each category will receive Shs2 million, while runners-up will pocket Shs1 million.
The opening circuit is scheduled for Mbarara on October 10, followed by stops in Kampala, Mbale, Mukono and Gulu before the series concludes with the national championship in Kampala.
A major change for the 2026 edition comes in the women’s competition, with the age limit increased to 30 years and below, compared with the men’s limit of 25 years and below.
Organisers said the adjustment is designed to widen the pool of female participants and encourage more women’s teams to join the competition.
Mountain Dew Brand Manager Grace Namutebi said the company’s continued involvement reflects its commitment to using sport as a platform for youth engagement.
“We are proud to be the title sponsor of the UG3x3 Series for the third year in a row, strengthening Mountain Dew’s commitment to supporting youth through one of the most popular sports in Uganda,” Namutebi said.
For the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), the series serves a purpose beyond domestic competition, providing players with opportunities to accumulate ranking points while preparing for international assignments.
FUBA Technical Director Nicholas Natuhereza stressed the importance of maintaining a strong domestic 3×3 calendar.
“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 said.
Uganda’s women’s 3×3 programme is also working towards the 2028 Olympic Games qualification pathway, adding significance to the domestic circuit as players seek competitive exposure and ranking points.
The qualifying calendar begins in Mbarara on October 10, before moving to Kampala (October 17), Mbale (October 24), Kampala (October 31), Mukono (November 7), Kampala (November 14) and Gulu (November 21).
The top 20 men’s and top 20 women’s teams from the qualifying series will advance to the Grand Finale in Kampala on November 28.
Registration for the opening Mbarara circuit is already open.
