By Michael Ainomugisha
The UCU Lady Canons have reshaped their squad ahead of the 2026 National Basketball League (NBL) season, which tips off on February 6, 2026.
NBL record champions part ways with Bridget Aber, who has completed a move to JT Jaguars. Her exit leaves Najjuko Malaika as the only remaining player from the 2022 championship team, alongside Millicent Otieno, Divine Ezeofor, and Edith Muhawe.
In response, UCU has added three new faces to strengthen key areas of the team. Point guard Mariam Namukwaya joins from Miracle Eaglets and is expected to add depth and control to the backcourt. She slots into a guard rotation led by assistant captain Shillah Lamunu, with support from Ciella Igiraneza and Saima Christine.
In the frontcourt, forward Patricia Faith Aseru arrives from Angels. She steps in to cover the gap left by Aber and adds options among the bigs, which include Sarah Namale, Martina Anyango, Sylvia Nantongo, Ayaa Gladys, and Maria Awidi.
Shooting guard Nakibuka Doreen completes the new additions after crossing over from Magic Stormers. Her scoring ability is set to boost UCU’s offensive output as they chase another title.
The Lady Canons are building from a competitive 2025 campaign. They fell in a tight semifinal series to eventual champions JKL Lady Dolphins, pushing the series to a deciding Game Five.
UCU ended their season on a strong note with a 69–55 win over Magic Stormers in the third-place playoff on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the Lugogo Indoor Arena. The result provided momentum and belief as the team now turns its focus to the new season.
