The local basketball fraternity has been thrown into debate after the Namuwongo Blazers Basketball Club and JT Jaguars BBC issued a joint statement strongly criticizing the FUBA Competitions Council for what they describe as “procedural favoritism” toward defending champions City Oilers.
According to the statement released on 27th August 2025, the Blazers and Jaguars argue that City Oilers were granted exceptions during the player registration process, exceptions that other teams were not allowed.
The two clubs say this amounts to preferential treatment, undermines the integrity of the league, and raises questions about the consistency and credibility of FUBA’s operations.
The statement adds that by bending rules for one club, FUBA has jeopardized the dreams and efforts of countless clubs and athletes.
“This is not merely a procedural oversight, it is a breach of trust that affects the entire basketball community,” the joint declaration read.
The Blazers and Jaguars have vowed to appeal the decision and are pushing for the matter to be heard publicly and transparently.
They argue that an open process is the only way to uphold fairness, accountability, and integrity.
They also stressed the importance of transparency not only for clubs but also for fans, media, and players, so the basketball community can follow the proceedings closely.
The City Oilers are Uganda’s most decorated basketball club in the last decade, having dominated the National Basketball League (NBL) with 10 consecutive titles.
However, their dominance has often sparked controversy, with critics pointing to issues such as player eligibility, recruitment policies, and FUBA’s handling of disputes.
For the Blazers and Jaguars, this latest decision represents a tipping point in a long-standing debate about whether Ugandan basketball governance treats all clubs equally.
The protesting clubs are now preparing a formal appeal, demanding a public hearing to address the issue.
They believe that only through an open forum can basketball stakeholders ensure that rules are applied fairly and consistently across the board.
If successful, the appeal could set an important precedent for how FUBA handles registration disputes and enforce competition integrity in future seasons.
This controversy comes at a time when Ugandan basketball is enjoying growing popularity, with increased sponsorship, television coverage, and fan engagement.
However, off-court disputes such as this risk eroding trust in the game’s administration and could hinder progress.
As things stand, all eyes will be on FUBA’s response to the appeal and whether the Competitions Council will allow a transparent review of its decision.
For now, the basketball fraternity waits, with fairness, accountability, and the future credibility of the league hanging in the balance.
