Ulanga confident as JT Jaguars begin busy NBL season

JT Jaguars head coach Sudi Ulanga believes his team is ready to compete strongly in the 2026 FUBA National Basketball League (NBL), following a busy off-season that focused on youth, balance and improved defence.

“We have all the players to execute our game plan, our offense is stocked with quality players, and defensively we have improved a lot with our biggest signings. We should be able to take care of games,” Ulanga said.

The Black Jaguars have added three young talents to their roster Dishon Odawa, Wamusosi Johnson and Christian George Okello. Odawa and Johnson arrive from YMCA Hamstars, while Okello  linked up with the team in early February.

“Johnson is ready to compete. I’m thinking of playing him together with Duncan if the situation arises. I can’t wait to see him in his first game,” he said.

“Dishon is a good athlete, a good shooter and a good defender. He may take time to adjust, but he will definitely be important for us.”

Leadership within the squad has also been strengthened with the appointment of Duncan Ian Lubwama as team captain.

“Duncan calls sets, controls tempo and organizes teammates. He commands respect and will guide the team effectively,” he explained.

One of the Jaguars’ main targets this season is improving perimeter shooting, which hurt them last year. The team hopes to stretch defenses and play with greater freedom. Experienced players like Were Mark, George Agasi, Elijah, Kasasa and Lubwama now carry two full seasons in the league.

The men’s team will open their season at the Den in Kira on Saturday 7th, against KCCA Panthers. Other home games include Victoria Crocs on February 11 and UMU Flames on February 25. Away fixtures will see them face JKL Dolphins, UCU Canons, Kampala Rockets and champions Namuwongo Blazers, before closing the round against UPDF Tomahawks, Sommet, Rezlife Saints and long-time rivals City Oilers.

The 2026 NBL officially tipped off on Friday, February 6, with a blockbuster clash between Namuwongo Blazers and City Oilers, a repeat of the 2025 finals. In the women’s opener, Pearl Queens faced JT Lady Jaguars, setting the tone for an exciting season.

Sommet Basketball Club will start their campaign on Saturday against JKL Dolphins. Sommet were among the busiest teams in the off-season, keeping only four players from last season and bringing in ten new faces. While they impressed in 2025, losing key players like Franck Nyembo and Mark Ngobi has left questions. New signings include Emilagba Abdulahi (Nigeria), Karabana Diaw (Mali) and Gabonese international Siby Omar, alongside several young local players testing themselves at top level.

On the same day, Victoria Crocs face Kampala Rockets. The Crocs have strengthened with John Aaron Eboyu, Mark Ngobi and Hon Kwany, hoping to climb higher in the standings.

In the women’s league, Victoria She Crocs will meet Miracle Eaglets, while KCCA Leopards face defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins, who begin life without former MVP Hope Akello.

Sunday action will see UPDF Tomahawks take on Rezlife Saints, while UMU Flames face UCU Canons in a university derby. In the women’s games, UCU Lady Canons play Angels, Nabisunsa face KIU Rangers, and UPDF Lady Tomahawks take on Magic Stormers.

National Basketball League

Saturday 7th (Kira Den)

Women

Victoria She Crocs v Miracle Eaglets 10AM

KCCA Leopards v JKL Lady Dolphins 12PM

Men

Sommet v JKL Dolphins 2PM

Victoria Crocs v Kampala Rockets 4PM

KCCA Panthers v JT Jaguars 6PM

Sunday 8th (Lugogo)

Women

UCU Lady Canons v Angels 10AM

Nabisunsa v KIU Rangers 12PM

Lady Tomahawks v Magic Stommers 2PM

Men

UPDF Tomahawks v Rezlife Saints 4PM

UMU Flames v UCU Canons 6PM