The start of the 2025 National Basketball League is about a month away. According to the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), the top-flight league is scheduled to tip off on February 6.
Basketball, as we know it, is one of the sports in which preseason business gives a pretty good indication of how competitive a team will be.
Last year, ten-time champions City Oilers were stuck in the middle — not good enough to contend, and lacking in quality. It was undeniably clear that they wouldn’t be able to contend unless they made major moves in the midseason, which they did, but eventually lost the finals.
After that underwhelming season by their standards, the Oilers have decided to rest and are shaking up the roster, again. The team has officially announced the departure of forwards Joseph Chuma and Moses Maker.
In a bid to reclaim the crown, the Oilers have started on their roster construction by reportedly acquiring last year’s finals MVP Joel Lukoji from the Namuwongo Blazers. The point guard will share the role with Fayed Bbaale, who has been shouldering the burden of directing offense for the side.
The Oilers have also snapped Joel Kayiira from the UCU Canons. The rising center who featured for Uganda Christian University while claiming men’s basketball gold at the University Games late December is reported to be training with the Bugulobi-based side.
It is also reported that Burundian power forward Landry Ndikumana is also making a return to the side he helped to multiple championships.