KAMPALA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan international Arthur Kaluma has signed a professional contract with the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, sparking excitement among basketball fans and sports officials in the East African country.
The signing, announced by the Lakers on Tuesday, was widely welcomed in Uganda.
Norman Blick, a former Uganda national team player, said Kaluma's move represented a major milestone for both the player and the country.
"Signing for a team like Los Angeles Lakers is huge because every time the name Uganda will also be mentioned when Kaluma features," explained Blick, who was voted Uganda's Basketballer of the Year several times.
Kaluma, 24, has represented Uganda's national team on several occasions. He spent two seasons at Creighton University and one at Kansas State before completing his collegiate career at the University of Texas during the 2024-25 season.
Patrick Ogwel, secretary general of Uganda's National Council of Sports (NCS), said the signing was a significant boost for the country's sports sector.
"Having Kaluma play for a big team like Los Angeles Lakers will also help market Uganda around the world because many people follow the NBA," added Ogwel.
Before earning his NBA opportunity, Kaluma played a combined 40 regular-season and Tip-Off Tournament games for the South Bay Lakers during the 2025-26 NBA G League season.
Kaluma becomes the third Ugandan player to sign with an NBA team, following Ishmail Wainright and Brandon Davies. ■
