Rising basketball star Maxine Modesta Anyango dies after surgery complications

Rising star Maxine Modesta Anyango, whose inspiring journey from the streets of Kamwokya to the national basketball team, passed away tragically on Thursday.

The 18-year-old sustained a serious knee injury during the recently concluded Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association Ball Games in Mukono while featuring for St Noa Girls Secondary School.

Anyango tore her patella tendon during the championship and later passed away while undergoing surgery.

St Noa Girls Secondary School confirmed her passing via social media.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved student and friend, Anyango Maxine. She passed away peacefully this evening, surrounded by her cherished family. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the love and prayers you have shown during her illness,” the school posted.

The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) also mourned the talented teenager.

“We are saddened to learn of the death of Anyango Modesta Maxine, who passed away today in the morning hours. We have lost a young talent, and a promising future has been robbed,” FUBA said in a statement.

Justus Mugisha, president of the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA), described her death as a huge loss to school sports and the country.

“On behalf of USSSA and the school sports fraternity, I convey heartfelt condolences to St Noa Girls School, FUBA, the family of Maxine Modesta Anyango, and the people of Uganda,” Mugisha said.

Beyond the trophies and medals, Anyango’s story was one of hope, courage, and hidden talent.

Born and raised in Kamwokya, Anyango originally played netball and had never imagined a future in basketball. During the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, while preparing for her Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), she joined a student study group in the neighborhood. Unknown to her, the group also doubled as a basketball training team.

That accidental decision changed her life. Coaches quickly noticed her athleticism and determination during her very first practice session, despite her having no knowledge of the sport. Her natural ability stood out, and she was given special attention to develop her talent.

Just a year later, in 2021, her impressive performances at open trials earned her a full sports bursary at St Noa Girls Secondary School in Zzana, one of Uganda’s leading schools in girls’ basketball.

From there, her rise was rapid. She represented St Noa Girls in several USSSA competitions, flew Uganda’s flag at the ISF World School Basketball Championship, and earned national recognition with the Junior Gazelles.

Anyango announced herself on the regional stage during the 2024 FIBA Zone V Under-18 Women’s AfroBasket qualifiers in Kampala, where she guided Uganda to gold and qualification for the continental finals. Her outstanding performances earned her the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award after she recorded nine points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in the final victory against Rwanda.

She later played a key role for Uganda at the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket finals in South Africa, helping the Junior Gazelles finish fourth on the continent while averaging 10.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.

After starring for the Junior Gazelles, Anyango openly spoke about her dream of playing for the senior national team.

“My dream now is to keep working hard so that one day I can become a regular player on the senior national team and represent Uganda on the biggest stage,” she said after the tournament.

Her performances also earned her a senior national team call-up from coach Nicholas Natuhereza for the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Zone V qualifiers in Egypt.