Breaking barriers: Priscilla Nakayenze's journey in basketball & media

Sometimes basketball can be a game of timing, and balance much like the life of Priscilla Nakayenze.

But as a young and prominent figure in the male-dominated realm of Ugandan basketball officiating, has seamlessly carved out a dual career that many would find hard to juggle—one in sports and the other in journalism.

Not only does she excel as a National Basketball League referee, but she also plays a crucial role in delivering news and sports content at Next Media, proving that her passions fuel each other in unexpected ways.

The veteran center played a pivotal role as Nairobi City Thunder booked their slot in the Basketball Africa League.

Serving as an editor for Nile Post News, Nakayenze writes, edits, produces and contributes to NBSSport, covering stories that resonate with her audience.

Whether reporting breaking news or analyzing basketball matches, her ability to move between the worlds of journalism and officiating demonstrates a rare level of dedication.

«What distinguishes Nakayenze is her remarkable ability to excel in two demanding careers: journalism and basketball officiating,» says NBS Brand Manager Victor Akatwijuka in an interview with

«She doesn’t just follow her passions; she thrives in them.»

Nakayenze’s journey into basketball and journalism started long before she took the professional stage.

Kenya's City Thunder will take on Africa's elite basketball teams in the Basketball Africa League set to go down in Nairobi.

A degree in Mass Communication from Uganda Christian University (UCU) helped her channel her passion for storytelling, but basketball had been a part of her life even earlier.

From her high school days, Nakayenze was passionate about the sport, though this interest initially put her at odds with her parents.

“When I transitioned to university, my parents did not support my desire to continue playing. Determined to remain in the sport, I turned to officiating as a way to stay involved,” Nakayenze recalls.

“I began as a table official, managing scorekeeping, game timing, and other critical duties.”

Her love for basketball was unwavering, but what truly fueled her passion was the influence of Monica Nassuna, an international referee whose accomplishments demonstrated the potential for women in officiating.

«I was fortunate to have mentors like Mr Lumu Edmund and Mrs Harriet Lubowa who actively pushed for the inclusion of women in refereeing. Their encouragement and advocacy made a significant impact on my journey, reinforcing my belief that women have a place in every facet of the sport,” she says.

Nairobi City Thunder’s David Etyang has set bigger goals after earning a spot in the team that made history by qualifying for Basketball Africa League for the first time ever.

Now, six years into her officiating career, Nakayenze has emerged as one of the youngest referees in the basketball federation.

She officiates at the National Basketball League and other divisions, becoming a recognized figure on the court.

Her career as an official not only keeps her close to the sport she loves but has also imbued her with the values of discipline, teamwork, and leadership.

«My journey as a referee has allowed me to gain a different perspective of the game—one that emphasizes fairness, focus, and integrity,» she shares.

«It has given me a deep sense of purpose in contributing to the sport, not just as a participant, but also in ensuring that games are played with respect and fairness.»

Kenya's City Thunder will take on Africa's elite basketball teams in the Basketball Africa League set to go down in Nairobi.

The challenge of balancing two highly demanding careers—sports officiating and journalism—might seem daunting, but Nakayenze has mastered it through meticulous time management and a strong passion for both fields.

«Managing the dual demands of editing for Nile Post News and officiating basketball games as a National referee requires discipline and effective prioritization,» Nakayenze explains.

“It’s all about strategic planning: ensuring that my editorial deadlines are met while maintaining the high standards required on the basketball court. Both careers fuel my passion and push me to excel in different ways. Journalism allows me to amplify stories, while refereeing keeps me connected to the court, a place I deeply love.”

Nakayenze spends her weekdays immersed in the newsroom, often focused on political stories and the latest headlines.

But when it is time for a game, typically on Wednesdays and Fridays, she seamlessly transitions into her role as a referee. Even during intense work weeks, she manages to stay grounded in both her worlds without missing a beat.

«I have a system in place. My colleagues at the newsroom understand that my schedule may require some flexibility, especially on game days. It helps that I’m passionate about both roles; neither one feels like a chore to me,» Nakayenze says.

«I enjoy the newsroom just as much as I enjoy the basketball court, and they complement each other beautifully.”

Her ability to balance these two spheres of life has been a point of inspiration for many, especially young women who aspire to follow in her footsteps.

“I remain open to life’s twists and turns, knowing that the lessons I gain from both fields will guide me towards whatever path lies ahead,” Nakayenze says.

«But beyond my personal ambitions, I’m deeply committed to being an inspiration to the younger generation, especially encouraging more women to embrace the world of sports.”

Basketball, Nakayenze believes, holds immense potential to empower women. She is passionate about breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes about women’s place in sports.

«Basketball, like many other disciplines, has immense potential to empower women, and I want to show them that they, too, can thrive in spaces often dominated by men,» she says.

Kenya’s U16 national boys basketball team have set their sight on the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics Games with a recent milestone, claiming bronze a tournament in the build up to the games.

She hopes to inspire other women to pursue their passions, whether in sports, journalism, or any other field where their talents can make a difference.

“Looking to the future, I aspire to continue excelling in both journalism and basketball officiating, with the goal of making a positive impact on society,” Nakayenze concludes.

“My story is a testament to what is possible when you remain committed to your passions and have the courage to challenge norms.”