More Ladies, More Action: Mountain Dew UG3x3 Raises Women Age Limit To 30
The Mountain Dew UG3x3 Series has thrown open its doors wider to female players, raising the women’s age limit from 25 to 30 years as the competition enters its third edition with a renewed push to grow women’s participation in Uganda’s fast-rising 3×3 basketball scene.
The change was unveiled on Thursday at Abja Park, Naalya, during the official launch of the 2026 Mountain Dew UG3x3 Series, with organisers challenging more women to form teams and take their place on the 3×3 court.
Grace Namutebi brand manager mountain dew credit to Red Rhinos
While the men’s category will retain its 25-and-under age limit, the adjustment in the women’s category is designed to expand the pool of eligible players and create more opportunities for female athletes to compete at the national level.
The nationwide series, organised by Red Rhino Sports in partnership with Mountain Dew and the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), will feature seven qualifying stops before the national Grand Finale on November 28.
The campaign begins in Mbarara on October 10, before moving to Kampala, Mbale, Mukono and Gulu.
The qualifying circuit will also come with increased motivation, with each stop offering Shs2 million in prize money. Winners in both the men’s and women’s categories will pocket Shs500,000, while runners-up will receive Shs200,000.
Grace Namutebi Credit to Red Rhinos
The stakes will rise at the Grand Finale, where Shs7 million will be shared, with the men’s and women’s champions each earning Shs2 million, while runners-up take home Shs1 million.
Mountain Dew Brand Manager Grace Namutebi said the brand was pleased to continue its partnership with the series for a third consecutive year, highlighting the shared energy between the brand and 3×3 basketball.
“We are proud to be the title sponsor of the UG3x3 Series for the third year in a row, strengthening Mountain Dew’s commitment to supporting youth through one of the most popular sports in Uganda,” Namutebi said.
Namutebi added that the series is providing teams from different parts of Uganda with a platform to compete, while creating visibility for emerging basketball talent.
For FUBA, the expansion of the domestic 3×3 calendar is also tied to Uganda’s ambitions on the international stage.
Natuhereza Nicholas credit to Red Rhinos
FUBA Technical Director Nicholas Natuhereza stressed that regular local competitions give players valuable preparation for international assignments while helping Uganda accumulate points towards its international ranking.
“Having local 3×3 events like this is extremely important for us. Not only do they help our players in their preparations for international outings, but they also give us points that contribute to our International Ranking,” Natuhereza said.
He also pointed to Uganda’s continued ambitions in women’s 3×3 basketball, with the national team pursuing qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.
With the women’s age bracket now extended to 30, organisers are hoping the 2026 edition will translate the new opportunity into a stronger female turnout across the country.
The qualifying series will run as follows: Mbarara – October 10; Kampala – October 17; Mbale – October 24; Kampala – October 31; Mukono – November 7; Kampala – November 14; and Gulu – November 21.
The top 20 men’s and 20 women’s teams from the qualifying circuit will earn places at the Grand Finale in Naalya on November 28.
Registration for the opening Mbarara stop is already underway, with the message from organisers clear: more women are wanted on the 3×3 court.