As the Uganda Basketball Federation’s mid-season transfer window officially swings open from May 18 to June 18, one name is already stirring up the chatter in basketball circles: Ivan Muhwezi.
The talented City guard, who has had a well-publicised fallout with the City Oilers, might just be the biggest story of this year’s player movement. But the question on everyone’s mind is, Is it Muhwezi’s time to announce his new side?
Muhwezi, known for his agility and scoring touch, recently hinted that he’s been quietly working out with a new team and is eager to return to action in the second round.
While some insiders suggest a possible reunion at Namuwongo Blazers, others whisper about a more surprising destination iHoops, a Division One team that could benefit massively from his experience and firepower.
Wherever he lands, the stakes are high. With only two games left in the first round of the National Basketball League (NBL), and Division One and Two heading into Game Week 4, the transfer window presents the perfect opportunity for teams to recalibrate. And recalibrate they must.
With City Oilers at a crossroads, once a dominant force have stumbled their way through the first half of the season, posting a dismal 5-6 record. Their poor start, compounded by Titus Lual’s injury has raised serious questions about their roster depth and championship ambitions.
It is almost certain the Oilers will be active in the market. Rumours swirl that Petty Parish could be making a comeback, a move that would inject some much-needed pace and creativity into the backcourt.
But even that might not be enough, despite having included Roebuck Jr on their season roster, there is likely to be a reliable center high on their shopping list, and the pressure is mounting for the management to make bold moves or risk slipping further into mediocrity.
Meanwhile, the Namuwongo Blazers, currently tight-lipped about their exact targets, have confirmed through a close source that new faces will be added to their squad. Whether it’s in the frontcourt or backcourt remains to be seen, but with murmurs of Muhwezi potentially joining, the Blazers could become instant contenders if they pull it off.
The return of Peter Cheng, the 2024 season’s top scorer who left the Blazers and has been unattached since, would only sweeten the pot. Cheng has reportedly trained with Sommet and is said to be finalizing a deal, which could shift the power balance once again.
From the Zzana streets, Chris Omanye to Rezlife Saints is already a done deal. Having supported the Saints from the sidelines throughout the season and last year’s playoffs, his official move is as logical as it is exciting. His on-court presence could very well elevate Rezlife’s promotion chances.
Points to note in the window:
- Each team shall only be allowed a maximum of 3 additional players to the official team roster. (For a team that has already filled its roster with eighteen (18) Players, it shall be required to reduce the same by three (3) spots in order to accommodate the new additional three (3) players being registered.
- All Teams MUST communicate in writing to the Competition Council (CC) and Competitions Manager (CM) as well for any replacements.
- A player shall only be eligible for Transfer after consent of all parties involved.
- All Players based outside the country shall only be eligible to register in this window after grant of the LOC from FIBA per the competition Rules 2025.
- Any player moving from Lower Leagues (Div 1 and 2) to NBL or signed by an NBL team shall immediately upon receipt of consent from the releasing team, cease playing for that Lower league team and the same shall apply for any players leaving the NBL to sign for Lower division teams. They shall not play in Round II of the NBL and shall only wait for Round II of the Lower division to tip off before they are fielded.
- For avoidance of doubt, No Player shall be approved to be added beyond the deadline date of 18th June 2025.
