Stanbic Black Pirates Rugby Club have vowed to explore all available options, including a possible appeal, following the 24-week suspension handed down to their player, Ivan Magomu.
The suspension was imposed by the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) Disciplinary Committee after Magomu was found guilty of bringing the sport into disrepute.
Magomu, who has also been serving as the captain of Uganda’s national rugby team, the Rugby Cranes, was stripped of his captaincy and handed the six-month ban following an investigation into a controversial social media post.
The post, shared by Magomu on his official X account on July 31, featured a letter from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.
The letter directed the National Council of Sports (NCS) board to replace its General Secretary, Dr. Bernard Ogwel, with another person in his role as accounting officer.
In delivering the ruling, URU Disciplinary Committee Chairperson Jeroline Akubu stated that Magomu’s accusations were premature, as the matter had not yet been resolved by a court of law.
As a result, the committee found Magomu guilty of misconduct, leading to his suspension, which officially takes effect today, Friday, August 16.
Pirates Rugby Club have responded to the ruling with a statement issued by club chairman Dan Obote Canowira, confirming that they received the ruling on August 15.
The statement highlighted the club’s intention to study the ruling closely and engage with Magomu’s legal team to weigh the options, including lodging an appeal.
“Ivan Arthur Magomu appeared before the URU DC on Thursday, August 8, 2024, to respond to two charges. We received the ruling on August 15, 2024. The Club is studying the ruling and will engage with Ivan’s Lawyer, and weigh the options (including lodging an appeal),” the statement read.
If the Pirates are to appeal, they must do so by the end of today, as the ruling was made on Tuesday, giving Magomu and his legal team 72 hours to file an appeal.
The statement also confirmed Magomu’s 24-week ban from all rugby-related activities.
It addressed the second charge against Magomu, concerning alleged abuse of match officials during the Nile Special Rugby Championship final on June 1, confirming that the URU Disciplinary Committee has referred this charge back to the URU Executive Committee for further consideration.
The statement concluded by stating that the club will communicate any arising updates regarding the issue.
