City Oilers aim to extend perfect start against Kampala Rockets

The City Oilers will be looking to maintain their flawless start to the 2026 National Basketball League (NBL) season when they face the Kampala Rockets on Sunday, February 15, at Lugogo Arena.

The defending champions have already won their opening two games and look sharp early in the campaign. Assistant coach Ben Komakech says the team is hungry and prepared.

“I feel players are ready. They are hungry to play as well as compete. I am happy to see the process,” he said.

Komakech added that the Oilers are not only focused on winning but also on preserving their identity.

“We don’t just play to win. We play to maintain a legacy. That is why all players need to learn and master playing Oilers’ basketball,” he explained.

The Oilers opened their season with a 75–64 victory over Namuwongo Blazers, before following it up with a 76–57 win over UPDF Tomahawks at YMCA Kampala on Wednesday, February 11. After edging the first quarter 16–15, they blew the game open with a dominant 25–5 second quarter and stayed in control until the final buzzer.

Joel Kayiira and Fayed Bbaale scored 15 points apiece, while youngster Isaac Athuai Akoal added 13. The Oilers shot 50 percent from the field and forced 27 turnovers from UPDF.

Their next opponents, the Kampala Rockets, face a demanding weekend with a double-header, playing JKL Dolphins on Saturday before meeting the Oilers on Sunday evening.

Women’s Action

In the women’s category, the UCU Lady Canons will take on the Magic Stormers on Sunday. The Lady Canons began their season with a commanding 73–29 win over Angels.

Captain Shillah Lamunu says the team is determined to build on that performance.

“We are ready. The season has started. We are prepared and everyone is ready to work and stay consistent. The mentality is about us. We are not looking at other teams. We are coming strong and coming harder,” she said.

The Stormers also face a busy weekend, first meeting Nabisunsa at ABJA Park on Saturday before Sunday’s clash with UCU.

Weekend Fixtures

On Saturday, February 14, women’s fixtures include Magic Stormers vs Nabisunsa, Pearl Queens vs KCCA Leopards, and Victoria She Crocs vs UPDF Lady Tomahawks. In men’s action, Kampala Rockets meet JKL Dolphins, while UPDF Tomahawks face KCCA Panthers.

On Sunday, February 15, Nabisunsa play Miracle Eaglets in the women’s category, followed by UCU Lady Canons vs Magic Stormers. In men’s fixtures, KCCA Panthers meet Rezlife Saints, JKL Dolphins face JT Jaguars, and the weekend concludes with the City Oilers vs Kampala Rockets showdown at Lugogo.

National Basketball League

Saturday 14th (ABJA Park)

Women

Magic Stormers v Nabisunsa 10AM

Pearl Queens v KCCA Leopards 12PM

Victoria She Crocs v UPDF Lady Tomahawks 4PM

Men

UPDF Tomahawks v KCCA Panthers 2PM

Kampala Rockets v JKL Dolphins 6PM

Sunday 15th (Lugogo Arena)

Women

Nabisunsa v Miracle Eaglets 10AM

UCU Lady Canons v Magic Stormers 12PM

Men

KCCA Panthers v Rezlife Saints 2PM

JKL Dolphins v JT Jaguars 4PM

 City Oilers v Kampala Rockets 6PM