Refugee Basketball Academy (RBA) was founded in 2024 by Stephane Kulimushi and Jonathan Mbinga, two young Congolese refugees united by their passion for basketball and their belief in the power of sport to transform lives.
Their story began long before RBA was created. As refugees living in Uganda, both experienced many of the challenges faced by displaced young people: limited opportunities, uncertainty about the future, social exclusion, and the daily struggle to build a better life. Despite these challenges, basketball became more than just a game.
"Millions of refugee youth have talent, passion, and dreams but lack access to real opportunities to grow."
The Story of a Coach and a Player
For Jonathan Mbinga, basketball became a platform to mentor, guide, and inspire young people. As a dedicated coach, he saw how sport could build discipline, confidence, teamwork, and leadership. For Stephane Kulimushi, basketball became a source of hope, belonging, and personal growth. As a young player, he experienced firsthand how sport can create opportunities, strengthen resilience, and help young people believe in their potential.
Through years of training, learning, and serving their communities, they shared a common vision: A future where refugee youth are not defined by their circumstances, but empowered by their talents, leadership, and potential.
From 10 Players to a Growing Movement
In 2024, they decided to turn that vision into action. Starting with only 10 young players in Kampala, they began organizing regular basketball training sessions, mentorship activities, and community engagement programs. What started as a small initiative soon grew into something much bigger. Young people were not only coming to play basketball; they were coming to learn, connect, build friendships, develop leadership skills, and find a safe space where they felt valued and supported.
As participation increased, RBA expanded its activities and strengthened its impact through camps, tournaments, leadership workshops, and youth empowerment programs. Today, Refugee Basketball Academy has reached more than 250 young people through basketball training, mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement activities.
Key Milestones
- Imara Basketball Camp: A flagship initiative providing refugee youth access to quality coaching, leadership training, and personal development. Two editions held in Kyaka II and Nakivale Refugee Settlements.
- HerPower Initiative: A program dedicated to increasing the participation of refugee girls and young women in sport while promoting confidence, leadership, and well-being.
- Official Registration: In 2026, RBA achieved official legal registration in Uganda and continues to grow as a youth-led organization.
"Because talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. And through sport, we are helping bridge that gap."
Today, RBA is committed to creating opportunities for refugee and marginalized youth, helping them build confidence, develop life skills, and become leaders within their communities. While much has been accomplished, this is only the beginning. RBA continues to work toward a future where every refugee and marginalized young person has access to opportunities, support, and the chance to reach their full potential.
Because talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.