Amos Mugisha: Uganda’s rising star point guard making waves

If anyone were to call Amos Mugisha one of the best point guards of his generation, they would not be far from the truth. This teenage athlete is quickly making a name for himself on the basketball court, showcasing the talent and determination that define a rising star.

Mugisha, a former student of Seroma Christian High School and currently on his S6 vacation, owes much of his success to his basketball-loving father, who introduced him to the sport. Without his father’s influence, Mugisha might not have become the standout player he is today, captivating audiences with his skills on the court.

Having blossomed into a star point guard, Mugisha has made significant strides on the local basketball scene. His peak performance came during the 2024 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) games, where he led Seroma Christian High School to bronze medals in both the 3x3 and 5x5 boys’ basketball categories. He further cemented his reputation by securing a silver medal at the FEASSA games in Bukedea, Uganda.

Mugisha’s leadership shone again at the 2024 ISF games, where he guided his team to an impressive run. They won four group-stage matches against Bahrain (the hosts), India, Malawi, and Nepal before bowing out to eventual champions Brazil (20-10) and finalists Italy (14-7).

At just 17 years old, Mugisha’s journey to basketball stardom was not a straight path. Growing up, he was passionate about athletics, particularly sprinting, and dreamed of becoming one of Uganda’s fastest sprinters. Although he excelled in 100m and 200m events at inter-house competitions during his primary and lower secondary school years, he never had the opportunity to compete at the national level.

His turning point came in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. With more time at home, Mugisha’s father took the opportunity to introduce him to basketball, a sport he had never tried before.

“I first saw basketball in senior two in 2020, but I never played it. During the lockdown, my dad and I would go jogging, and whenever we passed a basketball court, he’d let me dribble and shoot. When he saw I was getting interested, he found coaches to help me develop,” Mugisha recalled.

Mugisha’s father, Maj. Henry Mwijuka, who is the officer in charge of sports in the UPDF, decided to transfer him from Munta Royal College to Kibuli SS. This move proved pivotal, as Kibuli SS had a competitive basketball team and experienced coaches who helped Mugisha hone his skills.

“At Kibuli, I found a strong team with talented players and great coaches, which helped me grow. I chose the point guard position because it demands quick thinking, speed, and the ability to connect with teammates, which I enjoy,” Mugisha explained.

Currently, Mugisha plays for Henrison Basketball Academy (HBA) alongside his close friend Terrence Obua. He attributes his talent to God and dreams of turning professional one day.

Among his most memorable moments are winning the FEASSA silver medal and competing at the ISF games in Bahrain. These experiences allowed him to test his skills against players from basketball powerhouses like Italy and Brazil, giving him valuable insights into how the game is played at an international level.

Mugisha’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, mentorship, and hard work. As he continues to rise, he remains a promising talent to watch in Ugandan basketball.