Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates Rugby Club captain, Ivan Magomu, has been summoned to the Uganda Rugby Union Disciplinary Committee on charges of Abuse of Match Officials and Bringing the sport into disrepute.
This is not the first time he’s appeared before the disciplinary body this year. Earlier, he was summoned for questioning Nile Special, the platinum sponsor of the League, over image rights contracts he deemed undervalued for players.
This latest summoning comes after the skipper led the Uganda Rugby Cranes in the Rugby Africa Cup, where the team finished 5th, surpassing Kenya in the world rugby rankings.
What are the charges against Magomu?
The charge of abusing match officials is alleged to have occurred during the Championship final on 1st June where the Pirates lost to the Heathens 15-13. The timing of the URU’s action, two months after the incident and after he captained the national team, raises questions about their motives. Was it a case of URU “using him” and then discarding him?
Meanwhile, match officials, under their governing body, have made a stand not to officiate any game involving the playmaker, citing concerns for their safety.
The second charge, Bringing the sport into disrepute, has ignited public outrage on Twitter, with many supporting the player’s right to express his opinion.
On July 31, 2024, Magomu posted on X, reacting to a purported letter from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development regarding the appointment of Dr. Bernard Ogwel as General Secretary of the National Council of Sport. Magomu expressed his dissatisfaction with how Ogwel has been handling his office and athletes.
Ogwel has been in the headlines for the very issues Magomu called him out on, raising concerns about freedom of speech and expression.
The disciplinary hearing is scheduled for today, and the outcome is eagerly awaited.
Courtesy Photos
