2026 NBL season tips off with JT Lady Jaguars vs Pearl Queens opener

National Basketball League

Friday 6th (Lugogo)

Lady Jaguars v Pearl Queens 7pm

The 2026 National Basketball League (NBL) will tip off on Friday 6th, with the women’s opener between JT Lady Jaguars and promoted side Pearl Queens at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.

The game will tip off at 7:00pm and officially signal the start of a new basketball season.

Pearl Queens will play their first-ever game in the top division. The club gained promotion to the NBL on their first attempt after winning the 2025 Division One championship. However, the team that earned promotion has changed significantly as the club prepared for the demands of top-flight basketball.

One of the most talked-about signings is Agatha Kamwada, who joined from reigning champions JKL Lady Dolphins. Kamwada is a four-time NBL champion and is the most experienced player in the Pearl Queens squad.

Kamwada said Pearl Queens are prepared for the challenge ahead.

“We know the NBL is very competitive, but we have worked hard in training. The coaches have prepared us well and everyone understands their role. We are ready to compete and give our best,” Kamwada said.

Kamwada admitted that her role at Pearl Queens is different from what she played at her former clubs.

“At UCU and JKL, I was more of a role player, coming in for defense or to give the team energy. Here, I am expected to lead, share my experience and help the team grow. I am ready for that responsibility,” she added.

After winning the 2025 Division One title, Pearl Queens management made difficult decisions. Most of the players who helped the team gain promotion were released, as the club felt many would struggle to compete at NBL level. In the end, only three players from the championship-winning squad were retained.

Pearl Queens added Nigerian player Jane Chisom Iriele and Congolese signing Rosiane Mungwapa Mpokfuri.

Pearl Queens have several players with NBL experience, including Fildauce, Shakirah Nanyonga and Kamwada. Akello Scovia and Rose Adhiambo were solid in Division One and also have some top-flight exposure. While the team may not be among the top three or four title challengers, a playoff place is a realistic target.

JT Lady Jaguars start the season as one of the strongest teams in the league. They reached the finals in 2025, where they lost the series 4–1 to JKL Lady Dolphins. Impressively, the Jaguars retained almost their entire squad and added two key signings in Bridget Aber and Amy Chan Grace.

Aber is an NBL champion with vast experience and is expected to be a major force in the paint. Amy Chan Grace brings versatility and can play multiple positions, giving the Jaguars more options on both ends of the court.

The Lady Jaguars have been knocking on the door since earning promotion in 2022. In 2024, many doubted their chances against KCCA Leopards in the quarter-finals, but they swept them and pushed eventual champions JKL Lady Dolphins hard. In 2025, they lost only one game in the first round before falling short in the finals.

Over the last two seasons, the Jaguars have finished third and second respectively.

The opening round of the NBL will be played at Lugogo Indoor Arena, YMCA Wandegeya, ABJA Park Naalya, Jaguars Den in Kira, UCU Mukono Court and Rezlife in Lubowa.