Friday Night Lights Basketball

Friday Night Lights commonly knock as FNL in basketball circles is back in Uganda since 2019 when it disappeared due to challenges like Covid-19.

FNL full of sports combined with showbiz event had taken a pause, kicking off this Friday, December 8, at the Hockey Grounds in Lugogo and continuing for three weeks.

“It is good to be back,” Tom Ocamringa, the FNL Team Leader said at a media engagement held in Kampala today.

Normally FNL helps teams in the National Basketball League (NBL) to capture new talents and strengthen their clubs as well as entertaining the basketball fraternity like inviting musicians and comedians.

Unlike the past editions which have been held in the early months of a new year over six or so
weeks Ocamringa says the 9th edition of FNL will be shorter to accommodate the changed
National Basketball League (NBL) calendar.

Eight different squads will vie for bragging rights for three Fridays at the Lugogo Hockey ground starting
this Friday, December 8, 2023 followed by another showdown on Friday, December 15, 2023 before
the final face-off on Friday, December 22, 2023.

Castle Lite Beer is the headline sponsor of not only this year’s edition but the next two as well.
“This is not the first time Castle Lite Beer is partnering with FNL to thrill the lovers of basketball
and entertainment.

As a brand that appeals to the youth we are always seeking out those products
that align with us; and FNL fits the bill,” said Ibrahim Nkwanga, Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) Trade
Marketing Representative.

Adding, “For the next three Fridays, let us all Unlock our week’s stress, Refresh with an extra cold
Castle Lite Beer as we Enjoy the beautiful game of basketball at FNL.”

FNL has been Uganda’s premiere sports-entertainment event since 2011; offering a unique blend of
basketball, music, food and beverages and all forms of entertainment.

To increase participation in the 9th edition, FNL 2023 will see activation drives carried out in
Entebbe and at Abja Basketball Court in Naalya, Kampala.

During this sporty event there will be more fan engagements including challenges and gift hamper
giveaways.

The winning squad and excelling fans will also receive an assortment of gifts.

Teams
Team Melo: For the Proudly African, this is your team. Captained by Saidi “Carmelo” Amisi expect to carry with it a flambouyant, boisterous Pan-African vibe – drums and colourful
outfits to boot.

Team Afande: An enlisted soldier with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Henry Okoth is
that ‘cool’ Army Guy that seeks to demystify the armed forces with his squad. He is also a KIU
Titans player.

Team Comfort: Led by social media queen and JKL Dolphins star Leticia Awor, Team Comfort is
representing Entebbe and all the social media gang.

Team Drileba: Of course this is City Oilers’ star guard Tony Drileba’s crew of businesslike purists
like the captain himself.

Team Ekon: Speedster Brenda Ekone leads this group with her Nkumba University affiliation likely
to earn the team a students’ following. She turns out for JKL Dolphins in the NBL as well.

Friday Night Lights Basketball

Team Iman: Expect style, fashion and glamour from this posse led by national team (Gazelles) and
JKL Dolphins point-guard Ritah Imanishiwe.

Team Soro: To his friends Godfrey Soro is the party-starter and anticipate nothing less from his
squad. The Namuwongo Blazers star also enjoys a large following from the South Sudan
community.

Team Wazee: Largely comprised of middle-aged ex-players, the Wazee will be out to prove that
they still have what it takes.