For One Young Refugee in Uganda, Basketball Is More Than a Game

In Kampala, Uganda, 19-year-old Stephane Kulimushi is transforming the lives of young refugees through basketball. Having fled conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Stephane understands the immense challenges faced by youth seeking a new life in a foreign land. He recognized the ease with which young refugees can lose direction amidst limited access to education, activities, and work, while waiting years for potential resettlement.

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When arriving here as a refugee, I found many challenges. I saw how easy it is for a young refugee to lose control of his future.

Motivated by this realization, Stephane founded the Refugee Basketball Academy (RBA) in 2020. This initiative leverages sports, mentorship, and educational support to empower refugee and marginalized youth. Utilizing entrepreneurship training he received, Stephane has grown a small idea into a program that has trained over 100 players. The academy conducts regular practices, organizes tournaments, and provides mentoring sessions.

Beyond athletic development, RBA actively works to connect players with educational and professional opportunities. The academy records player videos to assist them in securing scholarships and other pathways. To date, seven young individuals have successfully obtained scholarships through the RBA program. Stephane emphasizes that the academy's mission extends beyond creating athletes; it focuses on nurturing leaders.

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We do not just build basketball players, we are building leaders.

Stephane himself embodies the academy's spirit, balancing his university studies in management and entrepreneurship at Cavendish University with his coaching and mentoring responsibilities. He believes the basketball court offers a vital sense of structure, confidence, and belonging for young people who have experienced war and displacement. For many, it provides a rare sense of peace and calm.

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When we are here, we feel peace.

Looking ahead, Stephane aims to expand the Refugee Basketball Academy to other refugee communities and camps across Uganda, extending its support to more young individuals. He also aspires to shift the perception of refugee youth, highlighting their inherent skills, ideas, and potential for investment, rather than viewing them solely as recipients of aid. "We are leaving houses," he stated, "But we are carrying talents with us."

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We are leaving houses. But we are carrying talents with us.