Gazelles Storm Into Commonwealth Games 3×3 Basketball Final, Secure Historic Medal for Uganda

Uganda’s women’s 3×3 basketball team, the Gazelles, have secured at least a silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after a commanding 21-9 victory over New Zealand in the semifinals.

The emphatic win sends the Gazelles into the gold medal match, keeping alive their dream of winning Uganda’s first-ever Commonwealth Games basketball title.

Coached by Nick Natuhereza, the Gazelles delivered one of their most impressive performances of the tournament, combining relentless defence with clinical attacking play to dominate the contest.

Melissa Akullu, Jane Asinde, Jamila Nansikombi and Perus Nyamwenge spearheaded Uganda’s challenge, forcing turnovers with aggressive defending, capitalising on quick transitions and scoring efficiently both from range and inside the paint.

Following a competitive opening, Uganda gradually took control of the game before pulling away with a decisive run that established an unassailable lead with about three minutes left on the clock.

The Gazelles maintained their momentum until the final buzzer, denying New Zealand any chance of a comeback as Ugandan fans in Glasgow celebrated another memorable performance.

Uganda will now face the winner of the other semifinal between Australia and Jamaica in the gold medal match, with history within touching distance.

The victory also guarantees Team Uganda a second medal at the Glasgow Games.

Uganda’s first medal came through para-swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe, who claimed silver in the women’s 100m breaststroke SB8 final after posting a time of 1:26.20 at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

Kukundakwe’s achievement made her Uganda’s first-ever Commonwealth Games medallist in both swimming and para-sports.

The Gazelles now have one final hurdle to clear as they chase a historic Commonwealth Games gold medal for Uganda.