Women’s Age Limit Raised as Mountain Dew UG3x3 Returns
By Kayiira Jackson
The women’s age limit has been raised to 30 years for the 2026 Mountain Dew UG3x3 Series, in a move aimed at increasing female participation in Uganda’s growing 3×3 basketball scene.
The men’s category, meanwhile, will retain its 25-and-under age limit as the nationwide series enters its third edition with seven qualifying stops and increased prize money.
The change was announced at the launch of the 2026 Mountain Dew UG3x3 Series press conference hosted on Thursday at Abja Park Naalya which will begin with the opening qualifying stop in Mbarara on October 10 before travelling to Kampala, Mbale, Mukono and Gulu.
Organisers said the adjustment to the women’s category was made to widen the pool of female players and encourage more women to form teams and compete in the series.
The tournament, organised by Red Rhino Sports in partnership with Mountain Dew and the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), will have seven qualifying stops before a national Grand Finale at Abja Park in Naalya.
Each qualifying stop will offer a total of Shs2 million in prize money, with the winners in both the men’s and women’s categories taking home Shs500,000, while runners-up will receive Shs200,000.
At the national finals, the prize money rises to Shs7 million, with the men’s and women’s winners each earning Shs2 million and runners-up Shs1 million.
Speaking at the launch, Mountain Dew Brand Manager Grace Namutebi said the company was proud to continue as title sponsor for the third consecutive year, citing the connection between the energy of 3×3 basketball and the brand.
“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.
She added that the series provides a platform for teams from across the country to compete while showcasing emerging basketball talent and encouraging greater participation.
FUBA Technical Director Nicholas Natuhereza stressed the importance of domestic 3×3 competitions, saying they provide players with preparation for international competitions while also contributing points to Uganda’s international ranking.
“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.
He particularly highlighted the women’s national team’s Olympic qualification ambitions, noting that Uganda remains in contention for a place in the 2028 Olympic 3×3 basketball competition.
The 2026 series will open in Mbarara on October 10, followed by Kampala on October 17, Mbale on October 24, Kampala on October 31, Mukono on November 7, Kampala on November 14, and Gulu on November 21.
The top 20 men’s and women’s teams from the qualifying circuit will advance to the Grand Finale in Kampala on November 28.
Registration for the opening Mbarara circuit is already open.