Namuwongo Blazers were crowned the 2026 National Basketball League champions after beating 10-time winners City Oilers 81-74 in overtime during Game Seven of the finals played on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 at the newly constructed Hoima City Stadium arena.
The Blazers who won the series 4-3 fought back after trailing 16-12 at the end of the opening quarter before taking the game to the wire.
The City Oilers forced overtime through two free throws from Landry Ndikumana that tied the game 66-66 at the end of regulation time. However, the Blazers dominated overtime, winning the extra period 15-8 to seal back-to-back championships.
Nyembo Fataki delivered a game-high 35 points, shooting 13-for-21 from the field to justify the MVP chants from the crowds.
Patrick Rembert led the Oilers with 27 points. The victory gives Namuwongo a second consecutive league title and another opportunity to represent Uganda in the Basketball Africa League.
The state minister for sports Peter Ogwang was happy that the facilities that the government puts in place are in use.
“I am happy when I was talking to the players, they were excited and appreciated what the government has done here. I want to reiterate the position of the president and my senior minister that the government of Uganda is committed to developing the sports infrastructure and we shall continue to do that. The people of Hoima must take advantage,” he noted after presiding over the final.
He confirmed that the AFCON 2027 qualifier games will be played at the Hoima city stadium and the people of Hoima should be ready to welcome the Uganda Cranes and embrace sports tourism.
Dr. Bernard Ogwel, the National council of sports General secretary noted that the stadium will host most of the important national and intranational sports festivals because of its quality.
