KAMPALA (FIBA AfroBasket 2017) - The rivalry between Rwanda and Uganda for the supremacy of East African basketball has reached new highs in recent years with the latter continuing to strive like never before.

While Rwanda - who appeared in four straight African championships from 2007 to 2013 - remain the highest ranked team (64th in the FIBA World Ranking) in the region, Uganda - who returned to Africa's flagship competition in 2015 after three decades long absence - emerge in 89th-Place.

And, with a place for FIBA AfroBasket 2017 at stake, these two East African giants are likely to face off at some point during the FIBA Africa Zone 5 qualifier.

Kami Kabangu, a Democratic Republic of Congo native who has featured for Rwanda in three editions of the FIBA AfroBasket, dismisses any decline suggestions linked to his national team, insisting basketball officials in the country are regrouping to be back in contention.

"We'll be ready," the 2.03m centre told FIBA.com of Rwanda's intention of securing a ticket in the Final Round of this year’s African Championship. "I will do my best as I always do."

The man who joined Uganda champions City Oilers in 2013 following a successful spell with Espoir of Rwanda, said: "The management team of Rwanda basketball is doing a good job, which will allow the national team to keep playing internationally. We will be back for sure."

Having featured a number of naturalised players over the past few years, the Rwandese seem to be transitioning to a new era focusing on the homegrown talent.

As hosts of the 11-team FIBA Africa U18 Championship 2016, Rwanda finished fifth last summer, but Kabangu feels Rwandans should remain positive.

"Naturalised players often bring more competitiveness to the team and bring the game high. But we could see how good players [U18 national team] they are, and the future of basketball in Rwanda is great," said the 32-year-old.

"Rwanda is doing a good job by sending young players to the US to improve their skills."

"Rwanda is a small country, but in terms of sports development, they are doing their best. They are investing high. The Government and Ministry of Sports are supporting the development of the game in the country."

Kabangu has won the FIBA Africa Zone 5 MVP award two times in 2013 and 2015 and has also been voted by the Uganda Sports Press Association as the best male basketball player of the year on two occasions.

FIBA