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Social media post sees Uganda captain slapped with huge ban
By Josh Raisey
Uganda flyhalf Ivan Magomu has been stripped of his captaincy of the national team and handed a six-month ban by the Uganda Rugby Union following comments made in July towards Secretary General of the National Council of Sports, Dr Benard Ogwel.
Following a hearing before the Uganda Rugby Union Disciplinary Committee on August 8, the URU confirmed the outcome in a statement released at midnight on Friday August 16.
The 30-year-old had been charged with two offences. The first was for the physical and verbal abuse of match officials, which occurred on June 1 at the Nile Special Rugby Championship final, in contravention of World Rugby disciplinary regulation 9.28.
The second offence, which has caused far more rancour, was for bringing the sport to disrepute. An initial statement by the URU said: "On 31 July 2024 Mr Ivan Magomu posted on his X social media handle in a reaction to a letter supposedly written by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development regarding the appointment of Dr Benard Ogwel who is the General Secretary of the National Council of Sport.
"Mr Magomu on his X handle questioned the manner in which Dr Ogwel has been handling the sport and athletes.
"We feel Mr Magomu contravened the code of conduct clauses that he is bound to."
The post in question said: "Dr Ogwel Benard & Co.have placed their interests above and beyond those of Athletes and their well being in terms of economics, education, health & safety, hence making us one of the most vulnerable communities!
"The long arm of the Law is now BITING!"
The post was accompanied by the hashtag 'CorruptionFreeUganda'.
Magomu has now been banned from any rugby-related activity for 24 weeks effective from August 16, which includes participation in any administrative capacities with his club Stanbic Bank Black Pirates Rugby Club.
He has further been stripped of his captaincy of the national team.
The URU have confirmed that they have received an appeal, and will establish and appeals committee.
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Latest Comments
Nah hes a journeyman. Right call
Go to commentsAgreed for the most part. And perhaps Dmac needed a period were he is the 'Hobson's choice' too.
Yes and no, they main concern I had from the situation is Razor didn't really explain why they had developed differing opinions, had he? I've seen too many things happen in life to jump the gun. Fall all we know it was a locked in choice before they found the difference last year and played out this year to see if they were recoverable. I can certainly see where it would be a valid criticism to suggest he spent too much time reviewing his players tripping overseas and not enough work with his team at that time. But things like Tony Brown not even being contacted in the lead up to the naming of the squad are endemic in the union, and for much just as much blame should be laid on someone like Wayne Smith. Some like Mitch would have been aval at the same time too I'd think.
Ultimately I see MacDs time at the Blues much as I saw Ian Fosters time at the Chiefs. Heavily overshadowed by their successors but you could find something good in there if you wanted. Same here. This will play out.
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