NBL Fixture | Friday, February 6 | Lugogo Indoor Stadium
- W: JT Lady Jaguars vs. Pearl Queens – 7:00 pm
- M: Nam Blazers vs.City Oilers – 9:00 pm
The 2026 National Basketball League tips off on Friday night at Lugogo Indoor Stadium as last season’s finalists, JT Lady Jaguars, take on newcomers Pearl Queens.
The Lady Jaguars, who have maintained the squad from last season and made just two additions to the roster in Bridget Aber and Grace Amy Chan, head into the game as overwhelming favourites.
More than anything else, continuity will be very crucial for the Lady Jaguars with point guard Shakira Nanvubya and forward Aziidah Nabayunga fully settled and ready for bigger roles at the club they joined last season.
“It helps a lot that we have the same girls because they understand each other. Continuity was key for us, and we only added where I thought we lackedlast season,” says head coach Sudi Ulanga.
Shooting guard Brenda Kayaga, who had a start-stop season last year, is raring to go and has good cover in Priscillar Nambogo and Sandra Wangeshi.
The addition of Aber gives coach Ulanga an extra body in the paint, capable of getting the team many second-chance opportunities when Mercy Batamuliza is off the floor.
For the Pearl Queens, the first round will most likely be a period of growing pains as the group is just coming together and will need some time to gel.
While they have a couple of NBL season players in Agatha Kamwadda, Rachael Nanyonga and Fildauce Namulema, the foreign core of guard Ballo Djeneba and Centers Jane Chisom and Rosiane Mungwapa will need time to adjust to the Ugandan game.
However, head coach Angella Namirimu says the group is mentally ready for tonight’s opener but admits that it will be tough against a side that has been together for a while.
“Mentally, I want to say I think they are more prepared than maybe physically. The players have been amazing; they have played basketball for a long period of time, irrespective of the leagues.
“It is about communicating with each other, encouraging each other because everyone knows the expectations,” Namirimu said.