Musanjufu Benjamin Kavubu
By Musanjufu Benjamin Kavubu
Kampala, Uganda – January 8th, 2025
Reflecting on the events of the 2024 Central League, a year now past, I am still grappling with the profound impact of a dispute that tested the very foundations of Ugandan rugby. As the then Secretary of both Kyambogo Rugby Club and CURA (Central Uganda Rugby Association), I was an unwitting participant in a saga that exposed deep-seated flaws in our governance and challenged the core values of our beloved sport.
The controversy erupted following a match between Kyambogo Rugby Club and Victoria Sharks RFC on March 23rd, 2024. Suspicions arose regarding the eligibility of three Victoria Sharks players – Peter Bisaaso, David Awany, and Rowland Wokorach – who were alleged to have played for other clubs in the preceding Uganda Cup. These players were reportedly loaned to Victoria Sharks after a 14-day loan window sanctioned by the Uganda Rugby Union (URU), a period marked by significant confusion and inconsistent communication.
As Secretary of Kyambogo Rugby Club, I had a duty to ensure fair play and uphold the integrity of the competition. However, my position as Secretary of CURA presented a unique and challenging dilemma. To ensure impartiality, I recused myself from the CURA Disputes Committee proceedings related to this matter. This was a difficult decision, as I felt a deep sense of responsibility towards my club while also needing to uphold the integrity of the CURA process.
On April 14th, 2024, Kyambogo Rugby Club, acting through our Acting Director of Rugby, formally appealed to CURA, contesting the 3-point penalty imposed on Victoria Sharks. The appeal highlighted the disproportionate nature of the penalty, considering a league win is worth 4 points, and drew attention to inconsistencies with past disciplinary actions for similar violations. We argued that the penalty did not adequately reflect the potential impact on the integrity of the competition and the principle of fair play.
However, the process stalled. On May 1st, 2024, we were compelled to raise further concerns, uncovering evidence that Bisaaso, Awany, and Wokorach had not only played in the Uganda Cup but also potentially violated other World Rugby regulations regarding player eligibility. This discovery further emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the need for a thorough and impartial investigation.
The CURA Disputes Committee’s ruling on May 3rd, 2024, was deeply disappointing. Despite our appeals and mounting evidence, they deemed the players eligible, citing the 14-day loan window and their status as full-time students. The lack of clear communication regarding this loan window, the inconsistencies in the decision-making process, and the perceived leniency of the penalty raised serious concerns about the integrity of the entire process. The ruling left a deep sense of disillusionment within the Kyambogo Rugby Club and cast a long shadow over the remainder of the season.
The URU Technical Committee upheld CURA’s findings on May 7th, 2024, allowing Victoria Sharks to remain champions. This decision, while respecting the decision-making process, further eroded trust in the governing bodies. The absence of clear guidelines, inconsistent communication, and administrative delays undermined the very foundation of fair play that I, as a rugby official, cherished.
This experience was emotionally draining. Witnessing the frustration of our players and the erosion of faith in the system was deeply painful. As a member of Kyambogo Rugby Club, I felt a profound sense of injustice. It also presented a personal challenge, as I grappled with maintaining my own integrity while navigating these complex internal conflicts. This episode served as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to established regulations within Ugandan rugby. It highlighted the need for a more robust and transparent governance structure to ensure the long-term sustainability and integrity of the sport.
The URU Technical Committee’s decision, outlined in the letter dated May 8th, 2024, acknowledged some of our concerns. They acknowledged a communication error regarding the post-Uganda Cup loan window and apologized to Kyambogo Rugby Club for this omission. However, the decision ultimately upheld the eligibility of the three players, declaring Victoria Sharks the undisputed champions of the Central Reserve League.
Reflecting on this experience a year later, I am still grappling with the lasting impact of these events. This was not just about one match or one club; it was about protecting the integrity of the sport that we all love. The events of the 2024 Central League had a significant impact on the morale of our players, the trust within the rugby community, and the overall perception of fairness and transparency within Ugandan rugby. While challenges remain, I remain committed to upholding the values of fairness, transparency, and good governance within the Ugandan rugby community. This experience serves as a valuable lesson, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, consistent application of rules, and a robust dispute resolution mechanism to ensure the continued growth and development of Ugandan rugby.
The Saga involving KOBs and Kyambogo Rubgy led to the creation of the reserve league which has been very instrumental in the development of Ugandan Rugby, the Victoria Sharks sga has seen the revisions of transfer guidelines. The Uganda Rugby community now refers to Kyambogo Rubgy as appeals RFC as a way of mocking the Club every time it raises an issue but the wider effects are enjoyed by everyone after.
This post was created with our nice and easy submission form. Create your post!
“While challenges remain, I remain committed to upholding the values of fairness, transparency, and good governance within the Ugandan rugby community.” – The highlighted quotes are the final resolve for me. Thank you, for believing in the system and the game we all love.