Heads have started to roll following the Impis’ relegation from the 12-team championship over a month ago.
According to a communication seen by Nnalubale Sports, Makerere University, home of the Impis, through the Sports Head of Department, Peninah Kabenge, has written to the URU informing them of the disbandment of the now defunct leadership of the club and has instituted an acting team as the club waits for the 2024 AGM.
“I am writing to inform you that the current executive committee has been disbanded with immediate effect,” reads the letter from Ms Peninah Kabenge dated 19th June.
“The decision was necessary due to the club’s ongoing struggles and inability to meet its organizational objectives.”
The following individuals will form the interim committee:
- Adruf Philip, Patron
- Isaac Onyango, Chairman
- Dale Ssendagire, Vice Chairman
- Kabonge Kisuze, Treasurer
- Daniel Mungoma, Secretary
- Cleaver Kanzira, Club Captain
- Arnold Kaweesa, Team Manager
- Darius Obote, Assistant Team Manager
- Brian Wambede, Uganda Rugby Union Representative
- Emmanuel Aupal, Public Relations
This interim committee will ensure the continuity of Impis rugby programs and operations and will serve until a new Executive Committee is elected or appointed through the appropriate channels.
Tamale Johnmary and Pius Mpoza have been relieved of their duties as club chairman and vice respectively and will be replaced by Isaac Onyango in the interim.
Onyango was Mpoza’s predecessor, officially handing over in November 2022. Adruff Philip and Aupal Emmanuel retain their roles as Patron and PR respectively but they are the only ones to stay on.
Troubles started for the embattled committee when “senior” players absconded from duty and only returned to the fold when the club was staring relegation in the eye, only to spoil the chemistry that the young crop had built throughout the season.
Anonymous sources we have spoken to also indicated the sheer lack of direction from the leadership citing Emmanuel Katuntu’s self-appointment to the Director of Rugby role, and Pius Mpoza’s suspension from Makerere. Mpoza would at this point be demoted, with then Vice chair Tamale taking over as Chairperson.
The Impis, this season, were a shadow of their former selves only managing one win (on opening weekend against the Rams) and dancing with relegation for the greater part of the season.
Doubts over Coach Ssebuliba Syrus’s credentials and ability have been called into scrutiny for the greater part of the season. It still remains to be seen what will happen to Coach Ssebuliba and his technical bench, inclusive of Director of Rugby Emmanuel Katuntu.
Courtesy Photos
