Kampala, Uganda: Ugandan basketball is mourning the loss of JKL Dolphins guard Jonathan Oketch, who has died after succumbing to injuries sustained in a road accident earlier this month.
The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) confirmed his death on Tuesday morning, bringing to an end days of anxious waiting and prayers from teammates, fans and the wider basketball fraternity.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of basketball player Jonathan Oketch. Our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones. May God comfort you in this trying period and may Jonathan’s soul rest in eternal peace,” FUBA said in an official statement.
Oketch passed away on Monday night at approximately 10:30 PM after battling for his life in intensive care.
The talented guard was involved in a road accident on June 6 and was subsequently admitted to C-Care Hospital in Mukono, where he underwent surgery.
Following the operation, he remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on oxygen support as doctors worked to stabilize his condition.
Over the weekend, reports circulated on social media claiming that the player had died. However, JKL Dolphins issued a statement on Sunday dismissing the reports and confirming that Oketch was still alive, although in critical condition.
The club appealed to fans and the public to continue praying for his recovery.
Despite intensive medical care and support from loved ones, Oketch eventually succumbed to his injuries.
His death comes at a time when he was actively featuring in the National Basketball League (NBL) season with JKL Dolphins.
Oketch last appeared for the club on June 3, helping the Dolphins secure an emphatic 114-75 victory over Kampala Rockets at Nakivubo.
He later missed JKL’s subsequent fixture against Rezlife Saints on June 10, a game the Dolphins lost 90-61, as he remained hospitalized.
During the current National Basketball League campaign, Oketch made 17 appearances, averaging 4.5 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.
Before joining JKL Dolphins, he featured for Ndejje Angels and later played for Sommet Basketball Club, steadily building a reputation as a hardworking and committed player.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across Uganda’s sporting community, with many remembering him as a disciplined athlete and dedicated teammate.
His passing adds to a painful period for Ugandan sport, which has witnessed the deaths of several active and former athletes in recent months.
Over the weekend, the rugby fraternity lost former player Adnan Kawuma.
Earlier this month, Rugby Cranes forward Sydney Gongodyo was laid to rest in Sironko District after he was killed in a mob justice attack in Kampala. More than ten suspects have since been arrested in connection with the incident.
On June 5, former She Corporate FC midfielder Cissy Nantongo was buried in Mpigi after succumbing to cancer.
Ugandan basketball was also shaken in May by the death of promising teenage basketball player Maxine Anyango.
For JKL Dolphins, FUBA and the wider basketball community, Oketch’s death is a devastating loss of a player whose career still held great promise.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family and club in the coming days.
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