The fifth edition of the South Sudanese Basketball Championship in Uganda has tipped off on Thursday at Indoor Arena in Lugogo.

The championship, played under the theme ‘Play For Peace’, will be held for two days.

The initiative was started in 2017 and it’s played twice a year.

Ndejje University Angels player Samuel Ajack and FUBA statistician Abraham Dut are the directors of the championship.

The tourney brings together South Sudanese youths in the region as it becomes the tool for hope and unity as they move to eradicate and tribalism, poverty and illiteracy.

The Youths, most carrying scars of battles from the recent and ongoing battles back home, use the tournament to develop their talents thanks to a natural gift in athleticism and height.

It should be noted that South Sudan is home to NBA players like Pistons’ Thon Maker, Denver Nuggets’ Bol Bol, Sacramento Kings’ Wenyen Gabriel and former Sixer Manute Bol (RIP).

“Our intention is to spread peace through basketball,” Dut told this Website.

He, however, added that they face a challenge of finances. The tourney last year had Taco Air who bought playing kits for all the teams.

The teams play for trophies and medals, but it’s always pride and fan at stake.

Tiger won the first two editions in 2017, Bright Stars and Black Stars won one each in 2018.

The tourney also have Uganda National Basketball League players that include David Deng Dikong (UCU), Jerry Kayanga (UCU), Titus Lual (UCU), Isaiah Mabeny Ater (UCU), Cikom Monybai (Ndejje), John Malek Nyang (Ndejje), Maker Mayen (Our Saviour), Andrew Gang (KCCA) and Rose Akon (UCU Lady Canons) among others.