Joel Kayiira joins City Oilers ahead of 2026 NBL season

Joel Kayiira will start the 2026 National Basketball League (NBL) season in new colours after completing a move from UCU Canons to ten-time champions City Oilers. 

The Oilers confirmed the signing on January 9, adding the centre to a strong squad that already includes 2025 league MVP Joel Lukoji and returning forward Landry Ndikumana.

Kayiira said leaving UCU was an emotional decision.

“Leaving was hard because UCU is home and family. I am grateful to the coaches, my teammates and the fans who supported me from day one. I will always support UCU,” he said.

“My story should show that it is possible. I started late and in a short time, but with faith, hard work and discipline, things can change. I want local players to see that they can grow, compete and reach the top level.”

Kayiira leaves UCU as one of the most consistent local big men over the last three seasons. Given his form and rising profile in the league, his move to the Oilers was widely expected.

He became a student-athlete at Uganda Christian University in 2022 after only one year of organised basketball in 2021. His rise was fast. In 2024, he captained UCU at the East African University Games in Maseno, Kenya, where the team won basketball gold and finished second overall. He also featured at the AUUS University Games in 2023 and 2025, winning gold in 2023 and helping UCU to second-place finishes in both tournaments.

In 3×3 basketball, Kayiira played a key role in UCU’s success. He helped the university win back-to-back FASU 3×3 Challenge titles in 2024 and 2025. Those results earned UCU consecutive appearances at the FISU 3×3 World Cup in Xiamen, China, and Brasília, Brazil. His performances also earned him national team call-ups, including appearances at 3×3 events during the 2024 All Africa Games and the AfroBasket competitions in Angola with the Uganda Silverbacks.

At NBL level, Kayiira helped UCU Canons finish third in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Individually, he ended the 2025 season in the league’s best five and was named Defensive Player of the Year.

Meanwhile, the UCU Lady Canons head into 2026 with renewed hope. During the 2025 NBL season, they struggled in the first round but improved greatly in the second. They went on a strong playoff run and finished third overall.

In the semifinals, UCU pushed eventual champions JKL Lady Dolphins close and nearly caused an upset. However, the Dolphins’ experience and individual quality helped them progress.

The Lady Canons have released Bridget Aber, Millicent Otieno, Divine Ezeofor and Edith Muhawe. During 2025, reliance on Aber reduced as Martina Anyango and Sylivia Nantongo took on bigger roles in the frontcourt. Shillah Lamunu, Anyango, Sylivia Nakituuka and Nantongo have all grown strongly over the last two seasons and are expected to form the core of the team alongside Zoe Atek, who impressed in 2025.

UCU have also strengthened by signing point guard Mariam Namukwaya from Miracle Eaglets. She is expected to reduce the workload on Lamunu and add scoring and control. With a youthful squad full of hunger and energy.