The Uganda women’s national basketball team (Gazelles) has appointed a new head coach ahead of the International Basketball Federation-FIBA Africa Zone V Qualifiers.

Nick Natuhereza, formerly an assistant coach, has now ascended to a new position with the all-girls team.

The new development was confirmed in a press statement by the Gazelles Basketball on Monday, January 20, 2025.

According to the statement, Natuhereza, the team’s former assistant coach, took over from Goran Lojo, who opted to take on another role with Great Britain.

The Federation of Ugandan Basketball Association (FUBA) President Nasser Sserunjogi expressed confidence in Natuhereza’s ability to lead the team.

“Nick Natuhereza will be the head coach for the Gazelles at the upcoming FIBA Zone V Qualifier in Cairo, Egypt. While Goran Lojo was initially set to lead the team, he opted for another opportunity, and we wish him all the best. However, we trust Nick’s experience and knowledge will guide the team to success,” Sserunjogi stated.

Natuhereza expressed his enthusiasm in leading the team, hoping to do good things together.

“I accept the challenge; it is always an honor to be in this position as the head coach. Hopefully we can do good things and qualify for the AfroBasket,” Natuhereza stated.

The Gazelles will begin preparations on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, ahead of the qualifications.

During the last FIBA Zone V qualifiers, the Uganda women’s national basketball team, known as the Gazelles, had a competitive run but ultimately fell short in the finals.

Similarly, at the last FIBA Zone V qualifiers in 2023, the Gazelles finished as runners-up after losing to Egypt in the final match, and that performance secured them a spot in the 2023 Women’s AfroBasket tournament.