Stephane Kulimushi arrived in Uganda as a child, carrying the weight of displacement and the hope of a new beginning.
In 2020 he turned that hope into action by establishing the Refugee Basketball Academy, a space where sport meets mentorship and education for refugee and marginalized youth.
The academy has already trained more than one hundred players, and seven of them have earned scholarships that open doors to higher education and professional opportunities.
Entrepreneurial Roots and Academic Foundations
Growth has been fueled by entrepreneurship training from the Cosmo Foundation and by Stephane’s own studies in management and entrepreneurship at Cavendish University, where he blends theory with the practical realities of his community.
Weekly practices, friendly tournaments and regular mentoring sessions create a routine that keeps young people engaged and off the streets.
Every game is filmed, and the recordings are shared with schools and partners, turning each highlight into a potential pathway to academic or athletic scholarships.
Stephane dreams of replicating the model in other refugee settlements across Uganda, believing that sport can be a universal language for peace and development.
For many of the participants, the court is more than a place to play; it is a sanctuary where the echoes of war and loss fade, replaced by the rhythm of a bouncing ball and the camaraderie of teammates.
The academy’s work aligns with the broader 2030 Agenda, aiming to empower youth, promote quality education and foster inclusive communities through sustainable sport initiatives.
Stephane’s message is clear: being a refugee should not be seen as the end of a dream but as the starting point of a story worth investing in.