With the February 6 tip-off fast approaching, the National Basketball League (NBL) has turned into a full-blown transfer battleground, as clubs scramble to fix weaknesses, replace key departures and send early warnings to their rivals. The message is clear: the 2026 season will be unforgiving.
Traditional heavyweights, defending champions and ambitious newcomers have all dived into the market, reshaping squads in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive NBL campaigns in recent memory.
City Oilers have been among the quickest to act, signalling intent to reclaim domestic supremacy. After losing Joseph Chuma and Moses Maker, the 10-time champions have retooled by bringing in centre Landry Ndikumana, sharpshooter Joel Kayiira from UCU Canons and Joel “Banza” Lukoji from champions Namuwongo Blazers.
Namuwongo, keen to protect their crown, responded by securing Congolese power forward Franck Fataki Nyembo from Sommet BC. Nyembo was one of the league’s standout performers last season, averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds in the second round after helping Sommet reach the semi-finals.
Sommet themselves have arguably made the loudest moves. The club finally landed Brighton Galiwango after a failed attempt in 2025, adding a proven scorer with AfroBasket youth pedigree. They have also bolstered their roster with Mali centre Karabana Diaw, Congolese guard Nkulu Kaseya and Nigerian forward Emilagba Abolaji Abdulahi, while former Oilers rebound machine Joseph Chuma and guard Mathew Kisakye have also crossed over.
Elsewhere, JT Jaguars have focused on tightening their backcourt by recruiting guards Wamusosi John and Dishon Odawa, while Victoria University Crocs added point guard John Aaron Eboyu and later secured Mark Ngobi. Hon Kwany also completed a switch to the Crocs after his loan spell with KIU Titans and a silver-medal finish at the AUUS Games.
Rezlife Saints strengthened their offensive options by signing scorer Edrine Ekau from Charging Rhino, underlining how even mid-table sides are refusing to stand still.
The women’s league has been equally active. Becky Longom returned to KCCA Leopards from JKL Lady Dolphins after recovering from injury, while Ruth Letaru joined UPDF Lady Tomahawks, who also picked up Martha Nandutu. Miracle Eaglets welcomed former Angels top scorer Martha Patience Likicho, but lost 2024 USSSA Games MVP Mariam Namukwaya to UCU Lady Canons. Newly promoted Victoria She Crocs added Mary Hazel Ssengendo, and JT Lady Jaguars announced the signing of Amy Chan from YMCA Lady Hamsters.
Off the court, the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) has extended team registration deadlines following disruptions caused by the nationwide internet shutdown during the general elections. NBL teams now have until January 24 to complete registration, while lower-division clubs have until February 10.
As the dust settles on the transfer window, one thing is certain: when the ball goes up in February, the 2026 NBL season will leave little room for passengers.
