The heat in the City Oilers camp has reached a fever pitch, with veteran shooting guard Ivan Muhwezi finally breaking his silence amid a deepening rift with the club’s management.
In a dramatic twist, Muhwezi revealed that he will return to action in the National Basketball League (NBL) in about a month, just not in Oilers colours.
The public fallout between Muhwezi and City Oilers General Manager Grace Kwizera has gripped Uganda’s basketball community.
Tensions flared last week when Kwizera, speaking on NBS Sport, accused the long-time Oilers captain of going AWOL after receiving a full season’s salary in advance.
“Muhwezi came for his salary advance and received all the money he required for the season, but he hasn’t shown up,” said Kwizera.
“I wouldn’t say he cheated us… Maybe it’s just amnesia for the next four months,” he added, with a dose of sarcasm.
On Tuesday, Muhwezi fired back during an interview on NBS Sport, calling the accusations baseless and misleading.
“I’m deeply disappointed in Grace Kwizera for dragging my name into lies,” he said.
“I never received any salary advances. What was paid was rent arrears from as far back as September last year.”
The decorated shooting guard, who played a central role in the Oilers’ decade of dominance, clarified that his absence was due to failed contract negotiations not desertion.
“All I asked for was a new contract with a salary increment. I spoke directly to Hajj Santur, and it was clear that if it wasn’t agreed, I could leave. Now I’ve been sidelined.”
Initially listed as injured as the 2025 NBL season tipped off, Muhwezi revealed that he is already training with another team and gearing up for a return in the second round.
“I’ll be back in the NBL in a month. I’m training with a team already, just waiting for my release,” he confirmed.
“The Oilers want me to return three months’ salary to secure my release. If that’s the price for my future, I’m willing to consider it.”
Reflecting on his time with the Oilers and Uganda’s national team, the Silverbacks, Muhwezi expressed nothing but respect for his former teammates.
“It has always been exciting playing alongside Jimmy Enabu, Tonny Drileba and James Okello at City Oilers and with the Uganda Silverbacks,” he said.
With the saga unfolding, Muhwezi’s impending return promises to shift the dynamics of the league’s second round and perhaps mark the end of an era with the Oilers.
