The Mountain Dew UG3x3 Basketball Series is back for its third edition, bringing fast-paced 3×3 basketball, cash prizes and emerging talent to communities across Uganda.
Launched at ABJA Park in Kampala, the 2026 edition will run through eight events, seven qualifying stops and a Grand Finale. The journey tips off in Mbarara on October 10, before moving through Kampala, Mbale, Mukono and Gulu, and eventually returning to Kampala for the national finale at ABJA Park on November 28.
The eight-event journey
1. Mbarara - October 10
2. Kampala - October 17
3. Mbale - October 24
4. Kampala - October 31
5. Mukono - November 7
6. Kampala - November 14
7. Gulu - November 21
8. Grand Finale, Kampala - November 28
The UG3x3 story began in 2024, when the inaugural edition featured seven qualifying stops before the Grand Finale at Lugogo Hockey Grounds.
St Noa won the women's title, while Cole World took the men's championship after beating VBL 15-13.
The second edition in 2025 was condensed to four regional qualifying stops in Mukono, Mbarara, Kampala and Gulu.
St Noa successfully defended the women's title, defeating Swift 16 - 6 in the final, while Cole World retained the men's crown by edging KU Eagles 21-19.
Now, in 2026, the series is expanding again. Each qualifying stop carries a UGX 2 million prize purse, with the men's and women's winners receiving UGX 500,000 and runners-up UGX 200,000. Individual awards also offer cash prizes, while the Grand Finale will provide even bigger rewards.
One of this year's notable changes is in the women's category. The age limit has been raised from under 25 to 30 years and below, while the men's category remains under 25. Organisers say the change is intended to widen women's participation in the competition.
From Mbarara to Kampala, Mbale, Mukono and Gulu, the third edition promises another national journey of competition, entertainment and opportunity for Uganda's 3×3 basketball talent, ending where the 2026 edition was launched from, at ABJA Park.
UG3x3 Returns Bigger as the 3rd Edition Takes Basketball Across Uganda
