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Empowering Uganda's Youth Through Basketball
Building champions on the court and leaders in the community
Our Mission: Transforming Lives On and Off the Court
At Gorilla Hoops Academy, we believe basketball is more than just a game—it's a powerful vehicle for positive change. Founded in 2015, our non-profit organization is dedicated to empowering Ugandan youth through the transformative power of sport.
We provide structured basketball training combined with academic support, leadership development, and life skills education. Our holistic approach ensures that participants not only become better athletes but also responsible citizens equipped to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams.
Through basketball, we foster discipline, teamwork, confidence, and resilience—qualities that serve our young people throughout their lives, whether they pursue basketball professionally or excel in other fields.
Our coaches serve as mentors, providing guidance that extends beyond basketball skills to life lessons and personal growth.
Programs: Skills Development, Mentorship, and Education Support
All programs are offered FREE of charge to ensure accessibility for youth from all socioeconomic backgrounds. We currently serve over 200 young people aged 8-18 across multiple locations in Uganda.
Basketball Training
Our comprehensive basketball program teaches fundamentals, advanced techniques, and game strategy through regular practices, scrimmages, and competitive tournaments. Players receive age-appropriate coaching from experienced mentors who focus on skill development while emphasizing sportsmanship and fair play.
Academic Support
We believe in developing the whole person. Our tutoring and homework assistance programs help participants maintain strong academic performance. We provide quiet study spaces, computer access, and educational resources to support school success alongside athletic achievement.
Life Skills & Leadership
Through workshops, mentorship, and community service projects, we equip youth with essential life and leadership skills. Topics include conflict resolution, financial literacy, health education, and career planning—preparing them to become community leaders and positive role models.
Our Coaches: Dedicated Mentors Building Future Leaders
Our coaching team combines former players, educators, and community leaders committed to youth development.
Our team includes former players who understand basketball's transformative power and educators who bring expertise in academic support. All receive training in youth development, positive coaching, and mentorship.
Our coaches form the core of Gorilla Hoops Academy. They blend basketball expertise with teaching skills and genuine care for each participant's development.
Beyond teaching basketball fundamentals, our coaches mentor players through challenges, celebrate their achievements, and inspire them to excel on and off the court.
Making an impact from day one.
The true measure of our impact lies in the stories of our alumni. These young leaders represent the transformative power of combining basketball with education and mentorship. Their journeys from our courts to universities, careers, and community leadership roles demonstrate how sports can unlock potential and create lasting change.
David Omondi
From our academy to a full basketball scholarship at Makerere University, David now plays semi-professionally while studying engineering. "Gorilla Hoops taught me that discipline on the court translates to success in the classroom. The mentorship I received changed the trajectory of my life."
Samir Nakato
Samir walks an hour to school each day, sometimes with only one meal to keep him going. What keeps him motivated? Knowing Gorilla Hoops is waiting after class. Basketball has become his reason to study harder, play stronger, and dream bigger.
Michael Okello
Once a shy teenager, Michael discovered leadership on the court. Now at 17, he’s not only competing — he’s coaching the younger kids, showing them the same encouragement that changed his own life. Gorilla Hoops helped him become a player, a mentor, and a future community leader.
Get Involved: Volunteer, Donate, or Partner With Us!
Volunteer Your Time
We welcome volunteers with diverse skills. Whether you're a basketball enthusiast, educator, healthcare professional, or someone passionate about youth development, we have meaningful opportunities for you to contribute. Short-term and long-term positions available, both on-site in Uganda and remotely.
Make a Donation
Your financial support directly impacts our ability to serve more youth. Donations fund equipment, facility rentals, transportation to tournaments, educational supplies, and program expansion. Monthly giving provides sustainable support, while one-time gifts help meet immediate needs. Donations from within the U.S. can be tax deducted.
Corporate Partnerships
Partner with us through sponsorships, employee engagement programs, or in-kind donations. We offer customized partnership opportunities that align with your corporate social responsibility goals while making a tangible difference in the lives of Ugandan youth.
Upcoming Events: Tournaments, Camps, and Community Outreach
December 11-12: Coaches Training Clinic
Our annual intensive basketball Coaches' Training Clinic focuses on leadership, management strategies and communication techniques necessary to guide and help build champion mindsets. Open to youth 18 and up of all skill levels. Special guest coaches from professional leagues will provide specialized instruction. Registration is free but limited to 100 participants.
October 1: Launching GorillaHoops.SHOP
Get ready to shop for a cause! We're thrilled to launch GorillaHoops.SHOP, our exciting new online merchandise store. Discover GHA branded apparel and merchandise. Every purchase directly supports our mission, funding essential basketball programs, equipment, and youth development initiatives. Show your support and wear your GHA pride!
October 18: Re-Painting the Courts
Our flagship competitive event brings together youth teams from across Uganda for three days of basketball and community building. Spectators welcome! The tournament includes skills competitions, exhibition games, and scholarship opportunities for standout players.
December 13: Annual Tournament at Kamuli Court
Registration opens for our year-round program. New participants welcome! The season includes weekly practices, monthly game days, and access to all academic support and leadership development programs.
Gallery: See Our Young Athletes in Action
Our programs create opportunities for youth to develop athletic skills, build confidence, form lasting friendships, and connect with supportive mentors—all within a positive community environment.
Join Our Basketball Family Today!
Get in Touch
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're interested in enrolling a child, volunteering, donating, or learning more about our programs, our team is ready to answer your questions.
Email: info@gorillahoopsacademy.org
Address: Kamuli, Uganda
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Stay connected with us on social media for updates, event announcements, and inspiring stories from our community.
90+
Active Players
4
Dedicated Coaches
2
Years of Impact
96%
Graduate Success