Sommet was perhaps the busiest team during the transfer window. Only 4 players remained on the roster from their phenomenal 2025 NBL season.

There have been 10 new additions and many people think that Sommet will perform better than they did in the 2025 season.

Background

In 2025, Sommet was defeated in the quarter-finals of the 2024 FUBA Division One playoffs. As thus, they were condemned to the Division One for another year.

However, miracles happened and with the departure of Our Savior, Sommet came in to fill the void. There was little time between the time they knew that they would be playing in the NBL and he end of the transfer window. Nonetheless, they managed to put together a team though it wasn’t strong.

After the first round, they had a 5-6 record tied with 4 other teams.

In the second round, things changed. Sommet brought in Franck Nyembo, Peter Cheng and Kasereka Tembo who completely turned the team around. They had the best record in the second round and managed to finish as the number two seed.

In the playoffs, they made light work of the KCCA Panthers and went toe-to-toe with the City Oilers in a 5-game series that was decided in the final minutes of game 5.

Off-Season

After this incredible run from the second round, many thought that the only way for Sommet was upwards. However, we were surprised when they let go of most of their players particularly Franck Nyembo who joined the Nam Blazers and Mark Ngobi, who joined the Victoria Crocs.

These two were an integral part of what the team was and their loss left a big gap.

The New Signings

Ahead of the 2026 Season, they added 10 new players but there is one major problem.Most of the players that they brought in are not proven in Uganda.

Nigerian Emilagba Abolahji Abdulahi played in the recent Road to BAL for Benin side Elan Coton.  

Malian Karabana Diaw played at the 2020 FIBA U18 Afrobasket but we haven’t seen anything from him at the top level.

Mongo Stephane is a youngster who missed out on the U16 Afrobasket in 2025. There is no assurance on if he is ready for this stage or not. However, he has the size and confidence.

Brighton Galiwango played just 2 games in the 2025 Division Two Season for Vegetarian. You are not sure how he can perform over a long season.

Mathew Kisakye has grown up in the Uganda youth system and this will be his first time playing in the league.

When you try to make research about Nkulu Kaseya, word has it that he is a very skilled and talented point guard. However, this will also be his first time playing in Uganda.

Odongo Lucky was playing for the Miracle Eagles in the 2025 Division One season, he will be playing in the NBL for the first time.

Amed Kassa missed the entire 2025 season and will be making his return.

Joseph Chuma picked the most rebounds in the 2025 seasons but the quality in his performances was lower than expected.

Finally, youngster Mark Mayanja, who has been playing for Watoto will also be playing in the NBL for the first time.

An unpainted canvas

When you look at most of the new signings, they have no NBL experience and what does that mean?

We have no idea how good or bad this team is. The players could be individually good but can they work as a team? Can they build on what was started in 2025?

For me, this feels like the start of something new. The team may be set up for a title charge in 2027 but 2026 could be a learning period.

Most of the players they brought in are guards and the coaches have to find ways of utilizing everyone.

Emilagba Abolahji, Andrew Sendawula, Mathew Kisakye, Nkulu Kaseya are all point guards. Ahmed Kassa, Brighton Galiwango, Mark Mayanja and Opira Markey are all shooting guards. Of these, who will play? What will the pecking order be like?

Honestly, Sommet coaches have a lot of work to do in terms of identifying the best combinations and when to use them.

For me, this year, Sommet is a canvas and the coaches have to paint a picture for how the team will be. We shall get to judge them later in the season but as of now, I can neither say they are title contenders nor candidates for relegation.