Kampala Rockets is one of the fascinating teams coming into the 2025 NBL season.
Their second round turnaround in the 2024 season left many in awe and this season, they look to continue from where they stopped.
At the start of the 2024 season, the Rockets signed Puati Ozias Kikomba from Power and he ended up being the signing of the season.
He led the league in blocks and rebounds, was named the best defender and also named in the team of the season.
Despite his wonderful performances, Ozias wasn’t enough for them and it was evident as they had a 1-10 record, the worst in the league after the first round.
In the second round, the Rockets hired services of Christian Ndibu, who was averaging a double-double, from Ndejje Angels.
They also added Ruai Luak and their season turned around. They went 7-4 and managed to make the playoffs, a thing they had not imagined, after that horrible first round.
This time around, the Kampala Rockets have showed their intentions with the roster they have put together.
Christian Ndibu and Puati Ozias remained with the team and they added Mpiya Juf from KIU Titans.
Juf averaged 9.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 steals in the 2024 season but the numbers don’t tell the story.
Juf started the season on a low and he kept improving as the season progressed.
One thing that stuck out was his midrange shots which were spectacular near the end of the season.
Having a front court of Juf, Ozias and Ndibu means collecting rebounds, taking over the paint , and scoring second chance points.
The 3 of them can give you 50+ points on a given night but you are guaranteed rebounds any day.
The other interesting addition for the Rockets is Kevin Kasobya from the UCU Canons.
Kevin did not get a lot of involvement in the 2024 season and he averaged 17.2 minutes, 5 points, 2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 steals.
These number don’t tell how good or how much of a threat Kevin is.
Kasobya is an assassin and he has range. His ability to strike from distance has been displayed multiple times and that’s exactly what the Rockets hope he can give them.
With the interior presence that they have, they need another dimension to their game. A person they can kick out the ball to and he doesn’t hesitate to take the shot.
That is exactly what Kevin brings and he will be top for them.
Other notable signings include Brian Opio from KIU Titans, Joseph Wacha from Our Savior, Asiku Dickinson, and Roxine Ahumuza.
Full Squad
- Langol Gift *
- Shafik Kinyera
- Onen Calvin *
- Kevin Kasobya *
- Christian Ndibu
- Mugabo Edward *
- Roxine Ahumuza *
- Joseph Wacha *
- Ozias Kikomba
- Waibi Ibrahim
- Asiku Dickison *
- Opio Brian *
- Mpiya Juf *
- Otedore Mourice *
- Garang Samuel
- Ola Simon
One important thing to note is that in the 2024 season, the Rockets barely ever had a 12-man squad available on a game day because most of the foreign player rule.
However, this time around, most of their signings are Ugandan and the foreign player rule will not be an issue.
Do the Kampala Rockets have enough to challenge for the title?
This is a very difficult question to answer but after a couple of games, we might have an answer.
The other thing is, the Rockets showed that they aren’t shy to spend and who knows what they can do during the mid season transfer window.
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