The heat from the City Oilers camp has reached boiling point, and it’s clear this saga is far from over.
Uganda’s basketball scene has been rocked after a very public war of words between long-serving Oilers captain Ivan Muhwezi and the club’s General Manager Grace Kwizera.
Last week, while appearing on The Rebound, NBS Sport’s flagship basketball show, Kwizera addressed Muhwezi’s absence from the team with a blunt explanation.
“Muhwezi came for his salary advance and received all the money he required for the season, but he hasn’t shown up. We don’t know where he is,” Kwizera said.
“I wouldn’t say he cheated us… maybe it’s just amnesia for the next four months,” he added, sarcastically.
But on Tuesday, the Oilers’ long-time leader clapped back in explosive fashion during an exclusive on NBS Sport This Morning, expressing deep disappointment in Kwizera’s remarks.
“I’m deeply disappointed in Grace Kwizera for dragging my name into lies,” Muhwezi began.
“I never received any salary advances. What was paid was rent arrears from as far back as September last year.”
The shooting guard, who helped build City Oilers’ decade-long dynasty, revealed he simply wanted a new deal with better terms.
“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.”
As the 2025 National Basketball League season tipped off, Muhwezi was initially listed as injured. But now the script has flipped, he’s actively training with another club and preparing for a new chapter.
“I’ll be back in the NBL in a month, playing in the second round. I’m training with a team already, just waiting for my release.”
But there’s a catch.
“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.”
Muhwezi’s next destination? Most fingers point to archrivals Namuwongo Blazers, where former teammates Jimmy Enabu, Tony Drileba, and James Okello now ply their trade.
The Blazers are flying this season, undefeated in nine games, while the Oilers are shockingly languishing in 10th with just two wins.
