Namuwongo Blazers have announced their final 14-man squad for the Road to BAL 2026 qualifiers, marking their first-ever appearance on the continental stage.
The team departs for Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, October 15, ahead of the preliminary round set for October 17–19 at the International School of Tanganyika.
Originally drawn with Burundi’s Dynamo and Tanzania’s Dar City, the group was reshuffled after FIBA suspended Burundi’s basketball federation.
Dynamo’s withdrawal opened the door for Djabal Club from Comoros to join the pool.
Each team will play twice, with the top two progressing to the Elite 16 phase of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifiers.
To boost their debut campaign, the Blazers have added three new signings, including two imports with BAL experience.
American guard John Murry headlines the arrivals played in China’s BCL Asia–East and previously featured in the Road to BAL with Kadji Sports Academy.
He is joined by Joseph Obasa, a Nigerian forward and Murry’s former Kadji teammate, who joins from NS Matrix Deers. Both bring valuable international experience to the Ugandan side.
The third addition, BeREAL Junior Jackson, adds depth to the backcourt and gives the team more flexibility on both ends of the floor.
The Blazers open their campaign against Tanzanian champions Dar City, led by 2023 BAL Coach of the Year Maradona Gueye and star players Solo Diabate, Nisre Zouzoua and Raphiael Putney.
It’s a tough test for the Ugandan debutants, but the team’s mix of experience, youth and hunger offers promise.
Leadership from veterans Jimmy Enabu, James Okello, and Tonny Drilleba will be key as the Blazers aim to make history.
Namuwongo Blazers Final 14-Man Squad
• James Okello
• Anthony Chuckwurah
• Joseph Obasa
• Peter Obleng
• BeREAL Junior Jackson
• Arthur Wanyoto
• Moses Mugisha
• Ivan Muhwezi
• John Murry II
• Innocent Ochera
• Jimmy Enabu
• Joel Lukoji
• Tonny Drilleba
• Favour Mutumwa
