Kira 8 swells to record 18 teams

The air around The Den is starting to hum with a familiar energy. If you listen closely, you can already hear the squeak of sneakers on polished hard surfaces and the rhythmic thumping of basketballs echoing around the sports park-like structure.

On Kira Jaguars Basketball Club’s side, the timing couldn’t be more poetic. Fresh off a recent rebrand from JT Jaguars BBC, the club is celebrating its fifth anniversary. What better way to mark half a decade of determination, sweat and glory than by blowing the roof off their own house?

The stage is officially set for the Kira 8 Basketball Tournament Chapter Two, running from October 30 to November 15, 2026. Stepping up from the inaugural 16-team format in December 2025, this year’s extravaganza has expanded to accommodate a record 18 teams, and the excitement is palpable.

“18 teams are currently on board, but we are trying to factor in some other teams that might have late entries. The fixtures most likely will be released next week,” shares Kira Jaguars communications manager Ian Asabo.

The battle lines are drawn. In the men’s division, the host Kira Jaguars will trade blows with heavyweights like the Nam Blazers, Victoria Crocs, UPDF Tomahawks, Berkely Reloaded, UCU Canons, Rezlife BBC, KCCA Panthers, Solid Skills, and Black Panthers BC.

Meanwhile, the women’s field is equally fierce, featuring the Kira Lady Jaguars, Kira Junior Lady Jaguars, UCU Lady Canons, UPDF Lady Tomahawks, Victoria She Crocs, JKL Lady Dolphins, KCCA Leopards, and newcomers Pearl Queens Basketball Club, who clawed their way to the quarterfinals last year.

History looms large over this tournament. Last year’s inaugural edition delivered unforgettable drama: the UCU Canons clinched the men’s crown by overcoming the hosts (then JT Jaguars) in a fierce final, with Joel Kayira taking home MVP honours. On the women’s side, the JT Lady Jaguars edged out the JKL Dolphins for the title, while the Makindye Shooters claimed the 3×3 glory.

This time around, the action isn’t staying confined to traditional boundaries.

“All the teams will be competing in the 5-on-5 category. There will also be competition in the 3-on-3 category. So, there will be 5 on 5, there will be 3 on 3,” Asabo explains.

But the magic of Kira 8 goes beyond the box scores. Organisers are peeling back the layers to celebrate the deep roots of the sport, bringing back legends’ matches to honour the icons who paved the way.

“We deserve to be able to own our legends as well. The legends of basketball, a very popular sport here in this country,” Asabo reflects. “You’re going to see some of your favourites perform. I can give you an example: you’ll see Falcons there.”

And then, of course, there is the raw, unfiltered passion of the stands. To keep the energy spilling over from the sidelines, the fan tournament returns to settle online debates where they actually matter on the hardwood.

“We also need to have the fans engaged. We are also having the fans tournament,” says Asabo. “I want to have teams that are being represented there, and also have fans represent their teams. So, the banter is not going to only stop online, but it is also going to be on the court.”

He recalls a legendary showdown from last year that proved just how seriously the supporters take their pride: “Last year, we had a game of Namwongo Blazers and Kira Jaguars fans. It was still JT Jaguars at the time. Really, really interesting game. Went into overtime actually.”

As sponsors step up and the Jaguars Den prepares for three straight weeks of non-stop hoops, the tournament becomes much more than a quest for silverware. It’s a birthday party wrapped in a battleground, marking an evolution for a club stepping boldly into a new era.

“With our sponsors on board and different packages that they may have, there are more and more activities that are going to take place at the Jaguars Den for this three-week extravaganza,” Asabo promises.

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