JKL Lady Dolphins face rebuild as Women’s NBL power balance shifts

For many years, JKL Lady Dolphins have been the dominant force in Uganda’s Women’s National Basketball League (NBL). 

Since their founding in 2015, the Dolphins built a winning culture that delivered five league titles in six seasons. Their success was driven by experienced players. 

However, as the 2026 season approaches, it is clear that the balance of power in women’s basketball is finally changing.

The 2026 NBL season tips off on February 6, and for the first time in years, there is no clear favourite. JKL Lady Dolphins come into the new campaign facing major changes. 

Despite winning the 2025 finals 4–1 against JT Lady Jaguars, the club has lost several key players. The departure of 2025 Most Valuable Player Hope Akello, who has moved to Morocco, is a huge blow.

Others like Ruth Letaro, Zainah Lokwameri and centre Becky Longom have also exited. These losses have stripped the Dolphins of experience and depth, forcing the club into a rebuild.

For a long time, JKL formed the backbone of the national team, The Gazelles, and set the standard in the league. But maintaining an experienced, high value squad without major sponsorship proved difficult. The current reset may weaken JKL in the short term, but it could also refresh the league by giving other teams a real chance to compete for the title.

One of those teams is the UCU Lady Canons. The eight-time champions, last crowned in 2022, showed strong signs of growth last season. In the 2025 semifinals, UCU pushed JKL to the limit and came close to eliminating them. Although they have released experienced players like Bridget Aber, Millicent Otieno, Divine Ezeofor and Edith Muhawe, the team is now younger and more energetic.

Players such as Shillah Lamunu, Martina Anyango, Sylvia Nantongo and Sylvia Nakituuka have grown greatly over the past two seasons. Zoe Atek was also a standout performer in 2025. 

UCU have added new players to cover key areas, including point guard Mariam Namukwaya and forward Patricia Faith Aseru. With youth, fitness and hunger on their side, the Lady Canons could become a dominant force again.

JT Lady Jaguars are also firmly in the title conversation. Since earning promotion in 2022, the Kira-based club has steadily improved. They shocked many by sweeping KCCA Leopards in the 2024 playoffs and went on to reach the finals in 2025. Although they lost to JKL.

The Jaguars have kept most of their squad together, creating strong team chemistry. They have also added quality through the signings of Bridget Aber and Amy Chan Grace.

If players like Mercy Batamuliza, Shakirah Nanvubya, Brenda Kayaga and Azida Nabayunga raise their level, the Jaguars could finally win their maiden league title.

KCCA Leopards, champions in 2014, remain dangerous challengers, while other teams are also improving.