Rugby referees boycott games over arrears

By Johnson Were

Schools Rugby League results

Hana Vs Kings College Budo
Under 15
Hana 0 Budo 28
Under 17
Hana 5 Budo 10
Under 19 category Results
Hana 50 Budo 0
Kololo S.S 17 Makerere College 0
SMACK 20 London College 0

The wrangles in the rugby sport management are far from over after a new disagreement erupted between the Rugby society and the Uganda rugby Union over a sh54.4m debt leading to a boycott.

According to the Rugby Referee Society Chairman Denis Odongkara, the amount accumulated as a result of services offered by referees during William Blick's reign as chairman.

Odongkara states that whereas the Blick executive recognised the debt and was preparing to pay, the current executive led by Andrew Owor refused to pay and decided to deny that the debt exists.

"You see this executive is trying to bully with chairman saying that he will suspend the referees but the money we are demanding was clearly indicated in the financial report read to the assembly last year," Odongkara stated.

"Yes he can intimidate us but we shall not give up. I personally know what I am fighting for and that is the mandate entrusted in me by the members of the society and I will continue fighting for their rights," Odongkara added.

URU hires referees for schools games

After URU realizing that the referees were unrelenting, they decided to hire a group of some referees who are not in good books with the current Referee society executive to handle the games regardless of their standards.

"The referee thing is contentious and beyond my docket but what I know is that URU has contracted a group of referees
to handle the games," Uganda Schools rugby Association chairman, Valence Bizimaana, stated.

URU secretary calls for calm

However, URU Secretary Michael Wandera, when contacted, called for calm from both parties saying that he will use his legal expertise to arbitrate the matter.

"What is there is something we can handle as a rugby family and find a win - win situation," Wandera, an advocate with
Wegulo and Wandera and co. Advocates, stated.

Last Saturday after the crowning of the Hima Cement Heathens as the Nile Special Premier League Champions, a verbal war between the Rugby and referee boss erupted over the same debt.