Rugby: Uganda Cup could start without Pirates, Rhinos

By Johnson Were

Uganda Cup,September 22
Kobs v Buffaloes
Pirates v Summerkamp
Heathens v Impis
Rhinos v Mongers

The Uganda Cup fixtures have been released. However, for the first time in the history of the cup competition, action might kick-start without Pirates and Rhinos.

Domestic rugby’s second prestigious event after the Nile Special League is slated to start at the quarter-finals stage on September 22.

But there are indications that the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) might be forced to reschedule the fixtures involving both Pirates and Rhinos. Both clubs are members to the Kampala Rugby Union Football Club (KRUFC), some of whose members were suspended early this week by URU.

The matches also scheduled to be played at the Kampala Rugby ground might also be affected for similar reasons.

On Thursday, KRUFC decided to withdraw from all URU activities including Uganda Cup after their officials Sam Ahamya, brothers John, Henry Musoke and Steve Ojambo were suspended from the sport pending an investigation.

“URU will have to pay to access the facility (KRUFC or shift their games but the ill decide whether to withdraw or to stay in the competitions,” Ahamya stated.

However, as of Friday, John Musoke, who is also an executive member of Rhinos, continued his coaching role with the club ahead of the Uganda Cup.

The quartet was accused of not being transparent in the sale of the club’s land at Lugogo. URU wants the suspended officials to produce a list of the members of the club that passed a resolution to sell off the land to purchase another in Luzira.

The land is registered under a private limited company, Kampala Rugby Club. The four officials were also accused of failing to account for the sh3.6bn that was realized from the sale of KRUFC property.

KRUFC secretary Ahamya and treasurer, John Musoke declined to name the members hence the suspension.

They still insist that KRUFC is a member of URU by virtue of providing their ground for rugby action and therefore the latter has no basis to force them to disclose names of their members