The City Oilers have been very busy in the transfer market and have managed to secure three top signings ahead of the 2026 NBL.

The signing of Joel Lukoji from the Namuwongo Blazers was very unprecedented but a very welcome move for them.

Joel was the 2025 NBL regular season MVP and also the playoffs MVP. His move to the Oilers means that the 10-time champions will have 2 elite point guards. The point guard concerns will not cause headaches for them anymore.

He can also be able to break down set defenses, create offense for himself and others, as well as defend.

Also Read

• Sommet: An unpainted Canvas
• Is 2026 the year for the JT Lady Jaguars?
• Top transfers ahead of the 2026 NBL Season: Men
• Top transfers ahead of the 2026 NBL season: Women

The Oilers added the 2025 NBL Defensive Player of the Year, Joel Kayiira from the UCU Canons.

Kayiira has elevated him game for the past 3 years and a move like this was imminent.

He is a very athletic big who has greatly improved on his production in the post and his presence in the paint will cause teams nightmares.

Kayiira is a different kind of player when you compare him to Titus Lual. His area of operation (offensively) is the paint whereas Titus likes to operate outside. Having these two players helps the Oilers to be more dynamic in their approach to the game.

If they need more interior presence, Kayiira can take care of that. If they need to get some shots in, then Titus can be able to give you that.

However, the two of them have good height and will guarantee you rebounds and blocks on defense.

Landry Ndikumana is no stranger to the NBL. He played and won numerous champions with the City Oilers back in the day.

He also scoped multiple regular season and playoffs MVP awards in that time.

Getting a player like that is important because he is highly skilled and knows his way around the league.

Also, he has worked with the management and the coach before which makes it easy for him to fit in.

He will be expected to be a leader and most importantly perform on the court.

The Oilers let go of Joseph Chuma and Moses Maker in addition to Chad Bowie and Kurt Curry who had come for the 2025 NBL playoffs.

Are these signings enough to make the Oilers champions? Maybe yes. Maybe no. But one thing is for sure, the team is way better than it was in 2025.

We shall be waiting to see if the 10-time champions can be able to add to their roster before the end of the transfer window.