From humble beginnings on school courts in Uganda to signing a professional contract in Morocco, Hope Akello’s journey is one of resilience, determination and excellence.
The Gazelles assistant captain has steadily built a reputation as one of Uganda’s finest basketball players, using education, leadership and outstanding performances to break into the professional ranks.
Akello, popularly known as Akxie, is one of Uganda’s biggest basketball success stories, rising from local school competitions to professional basketball in Morocco.
Her sporting journey did not begin with basketball. As a naturally active student, Akello was heavily involved in different school activities and initially played netball at Trinity College Nabbingo before discovering her passion for basketball.
Her talent quickly stood out, and after an impressive performance at the national championships while still in Senior Two, she earned a move to St. Mary’s Kitende, where her basketball career gathered momentum.
Akello continued balancing academics with basketball at Ndejje University before later completing her master’s degree at Victoria University.
Her rise continued after joining JKL Lady Dolphins, where consistent performances earned her a place on Uganda’s national women’s basketball team, the Gazelles, in 2017, and with time, her leadership qualities saw her rise to assistant captain.
“Leading others and helping others to be a unit but most of all I am always honored to represent my country,” she noted.
Akello was among the key players who helped Uganda secure a historic quarter-final finish at the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket, one of the Gazelles’ greatest achievements in recent years.
In November 2025, she reached a major personal milestone, signing her first professional contract with Majd Tanja in Morocco, where she has learned from experienced players and coaches while expanding her understanding of the game.
Akello believes playing professionally has also helped shine a spotlight on Ugandan basketball, introducing more coaches and clubs to the quality of talent produced back home.
“There are so many great players out there in the league and I know there is talent,”
Now playing professionally while continuing to lead the Gazelles, Akello hopes her journey encourages more Ugandan players to pursue opportunities beyond the local league.
She has one message for young girls with dreams of playing basketball at the highest level: believe in yourself, stay committed and never give up.
