The Ugandan sports fraternity is mourning the death of teenage basketball star Maxine Modesta Anyango, who passed away on Thursday after sustaining a serious knee injury during the recently concluded Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association Ball Games in Mukono.
Anyango, 18, was playing for St Noa Girls Secondary School when she reportedly tore her patella tendon during the championship. She later passed away while undergoing surgery.
St Noa Girls Secondary School confirmed her death through a statement shared on social media.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved student and friend, Anyango Maxine. She passed away peacefully this evening, surrounded by her cherished family. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the love and prayers you have shown during her illness,” the school posted.
From Kamwokya to National Stardom
Beyond the trophies and medals, Anyango’s journey reflected resilience, talent and determination.
Born and raised in Kamwokya, the youngster initially played netball and had never considered basketball as a career path.
Her breakthrough came during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown while preparing for Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). She joined a neighbourhood reading group that also served as a basketball training team, a decision that unexpectedly transformed her future.
Despite being new to the game, coaches quickly noticed her athleticism, discipline and natural ability during her first training sessions and began nurturing her talent.
In 2021, she earned a full sports bursary at St Noa Girls Secondary School in Zzana after impressing during open basketball trials.
Her rise through Uganda’s basketball ranks was swift.
Anyango represented St Noa Girls at several national school competitions and later featured at the ISF World School Basketball Championship before progressing to the national youth setup with the Junior Gazelles.
Regional and Continental Success
She gained regional recognition during the 2024 FIBA Zone V Under-18 Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers in Kampala, where she inspired Uganda to gold and qualification for the continental finals.
Anyango was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after delivering outstanding performances, including nine points, nine rebounds and seven assists in the final victory against Rwanda.
She later represented Uganda at the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket finals in South Africa, helping the Junior Gazelles finish fourth on the continent while averaging 10.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
Her performances earned her a senior national team call-up by coach Nicholas Natuhereza for the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone V qualifiers in Egypt.
Shock Across Basketball Community
News of her death has sent shockwaves across Uganda’s basketball community, with players, coaches, schools and fans paying tribute to one of the country’s brightest young talents whose promising career had only just begun.
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