FUBA Tribunal Dismisses JT Jaguars’ Appeal Against City Oilers Ahead of Playoffs

The Federation of Uganda Basketball Association (FUBA) Tribunal has dismissed an appeal lodged by JT Jaguars Basketball Club, supported by Namuwongo Blazers (Nam Blazers), challenging the eligibility of City Oilers’ players Chad Bowie and Kurt Wegscheider.

In its ruling delivered on September 8, 2025, the Tribunal found that the appellants had failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate their claims that City Oilers had breached the FUBA Competition Rules and Regulations 2025. Instead, it noted that the Oilers complied with the rules and guidance provided by the Competitions Council during the registration process.

Tribunal Findings

The Tribunal highlighted three key issues in its decision:

1. Proof of Allegations Not Discharged – No material evidence was presented to show City Oilers acted contrary to the rules.
2. Absence of a Fair Hearing – City Oilers had not been given a chance to respond to the allegations before sanctions were proposed, which violated natural justice principles.
3. Ambiguity in Rules – The rules governing player registration lacked clarity, particularly regarding how and where signatures on player documents should be submitted.

Ruling

• The petition and appeal challenging the eligibility of Chad Bowie and Kurt Curry Wegscheider were dismissed.
• The registration and clearance of the players by the Competitions Council was upheld.
• The Tribunal stressed that no procedural irregularities could be attributed to City Oilers, and that clubs should not be penalized for administrative oversights by the Competitions Council.

The ruling was signed by Tribunal Chairperson Angwella Emmanuel and members Robert Buga and Nicholas Natuhereza, and further directed the Competitions Council to draft clearer guidelines for future player registrations.

What’s Next

The ruling comes just hours before the much-anticipated playoff showdown between City Oilers and JT Jaguars, scheduled for tomorrow at the MTN Arena. With the legal dust now settled, attention shifts fully to the court where both teams will battle in the first leg of their playoff series.

For the Jaguars, the decision is a bitter pill to swallow, but they will have to regroup quickly against the defending champions. For the Oilers, the ruling provides a psychological boost as they march into the playoffs with their key players cleared and ready for action.

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