Namuwongo Blazers have ended a decade of dominance by City Oilers, defeating them 68-55 in Game Six to clinch the 2025 National Basketball League (NBL) championship 4–2. This marks the Blazers' first-ever league title, bringing an end to the Oilers’ streak of ten consecutive championships, which began in 2013.
The Blazers' victory was a fitting narrative, with four former Oilers stars—Jimmy Enabu, James Okello, Tonny Drilleba, and Ivan Muhwezi—playing pivotal roles in dethroning their old team. Okello led the charge with 16 points, while Enabu added 12, Drilleba contributed 10, and Peter Obleng scored 11, helping the Blazers complete a stunning comeback after losing the first two games of the series.
Despite solid performances from City Oilers’ Jordan Bowie (13 points), Fayed Baale (11), Moses Maker (10), and Kurt-Curry Wegscheider (10), they struggled in key moments and ultimately fell short.
The Oilers' long reign had shown signs of waning following the departure of head coach Mandy Juruni, who had steered the team to nine titles before leaving for Rwanda. His successor, Andrew Tendo, led them to a tenth title last season, but this time the magic ran out.
For the Blazers, the triumph represents the culmination of years of growth and ambition. After a narrow defeat in the 2022 Finals, they returned this season with a strengthened roster and renewed focus, including the addition of Nigerian forward Anthony Chuckwurah and the seasoned ex-Oilers quartet. Their dominance in the regular season and playoff sweep of Rezlife Saints and UCU Canons set the stage for their dramatic Finals victory, signaling the dawn of a new era in Ugandan basketball.
The Blazers' victory was a fitting narrative, with four former Oilers stars—Jimmy Enabu, James Okello, Tonny Drilleba, and Ivan Muhwezi—playing pivotal roles in dethroning their old team. Okello led the charge with 16 points, while Enabu added 12, Drilleba contributed 10, and Peter Obleng scored 11, helping the Blazers complete a stunning comeback after losing the first two games of the series.
Despite solid performances from City Oilers’ Jordan Bowie (13 points), Fayed Baale (11), Moses Maker (10), and Kurt-Curry Wegscheider (10), they struggled in key moments and ultimately fell short.
The Oilers' long reign had shown signs of waning following the departure of head coach Mandy Juruni, who had steered the team to nine titles before leaving for Rwanda. His successor, Andrew Tendo, led them to a tenth title last season, but this time the magic ran out.
For the Blazers, the triumph represents the culmination of years of growth and ambition. After a narrow defeat in the 2022 Finals, they returned this season with a strengthened roster and renewed focus, including the addition of Nigerian forward Anthony Chuckwurah and the seasoned ex-Oilers quartet. Their dominance in the regular season and playoff sweep of Rezlife Saints and UCU Canons set the stage for their dramatic Finals victory, signaling the dawn of a new era in Ugandan basketball.
