After months of transfers, hype, and anticipation, the 2026 National Basketball League tips off tonight, February 6, at Lugogo Indoor Arena with a doubleheader that already feels headline-worthy.
At 7 PM, the women’s opener pits last season’s finalists JT Lady Jaguars against promoted Pearl Queens in a clash of experience against bold ambition. Then at 9 PM, defending champions Namuwongo Blazers face rivals and 10-time champions City Oilers in a finals rematch packed with revenge, redemption, and early bragging rights.
The women’s game will stream exclusively on NBS Sport 2 via AfroMobile, while the men’s showdown will air live on NBS Sport across all platforms.
JT Lady Jaguars, runners-up in 2025 and still stung by their 4-1 finals loss to JKL Lady Dolphins, come into the new season eager to finish the job. They strengthened the roster with forward Bridget Aber from UCU Lady Canons and former YMCA guard Amy Chan, while keeping key players including MVP rebounder Mercy Batamuliza, Brenda Kayaga, Shakirah Nanvubya, and Azida Nabayunga.
Pearl Queens, however, arrive with serious intent. The newly promoted side retained only three players from their Division One title squad and aggressively reinforced during the transfer window. One standout move saw them sign four-time champion Agatha Kamwada from holders JKL Lady Dolphins. Add Nigerian forward Jane Chisom Iriele, Congolese center Rosiane Mungwapa Mpokfuri, plus experienced campaigners Rachael Nanyonga and Fildauce Namulema, and it is clear the Division One champions want more than survival.
The absence of star Lavin Auma Owiti is a setback, yet coaches Angella Namirimu and Lynn Nalunkuma, who guided the team to consecutive lower-division titles, have built a disciplined and hungry group capable of surprising established sides. A strong result tonight would signal a possible shift in the women’s power balance.
Attention then shifts to the men’s main event as Namuwongo Blazers and City Oilers renew their rivalry. The Blazers, who ended the Oilers’ dynasty in 2025, added Congolese forward Franck Fataki Nyembo, who averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds late last season. Although they lost swingman Joel “Banza” Lukoji to the Oilers, much of their title-winning core remains intact.
City Oilers have responded by strengthening for another title push. The additions of Burundian rim protector Landry Ndikumana, defensive guard Joel Kayiira from UCU, and Lukoji from the Blazers highlight a squad determined to reclaim the championship. Departures such as Joseph Chuma and Moses “Big Mo” Maker have opened space for fresh energy as they target an 11th league crown.
After tonight’s opener, action continues quickly with games at the Jaguars’ Den in Kira tomorrow and back at Lugogo on Sunday. Fixtures across UCU Mukono, ABJA Park Naalya, and Rezlife Entebbe should bring the league closer to fans across the region.
The league also enters 2026 with renewed commercial backing. League Managers Committee chairman Fredricks Owora confirmed continued partnerships with BetPawa, Stanbic Bank, and FlexiPay, boosting confidence in the competition’s growth.
Tonight marks the official start of what promises to be a compelling season, with champions defending their crown, rivals chasing redemption, and newcomers eager to shake up the order. The wait is over, and the league is ready to roll.
