LA DECIMA! City Oilers Clinch Record extending 10th Title
City Oilers extended their unprecedented dominance in Ugandan basketball, clinching their 10th consecutive National Basketball League (NBL) title on Wednesday.
The Oilers sealed the championship with a 64-51 victory over the KIU Titans, completing a clean 4-0 sweep in the best-of-seven series.
Leading the charge was Petty Parrish, who put on a stellar performance with 21 points. Ivan Muhwezi and Titus Lual contributed 11 points each, while Ben Komakech added 10 points to the scoreboard.
Edgar Munaaba led KIU scorers with 13 points while Peter Obleng and Mpiya Juf added 12 points each, but in vain.
This marks the third time the Oilers have triumphed over the KIU Titans in the finals, having previously defeated them in 2018 and 2023.
Under the guidance of Coach Andrew Tendo, the team has maintained its dominance throughout the season – They topped the regular season standings and showcased their superiority by sweeping the Kampala Rockets and UCU Canons in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.
They came into Wednesday’s game four on the back of 70-61, 70-65 and 72-70 wins in game One, Two and three in that order.
‘Dictator’ Persevere To Reach 10th Heaven
When the City Oilers defeated the KIU Titans to clinch their ninth title last season, many long-time enthusiasts agreed that it was their best squad ever assembled.
However, as the new season approached, the team faced a significant setback when head coach Mande Juruni announced his departure and subsequently joined Rwanda’s Kepler.
Despite this, the Oilers went on to top the regular season.
The team’s challenges deepened after the shocking departure of key players Jimmy Enabu, Tonny Drilleba, and James Okello following the first round, casting doubt on their ability to maintain their championship run.
The situation further deteriorated in the playoffs. Edrine Walujjo was suspended due to match-fixing allegations, and Moses Maker sustained an injury against the UCU Canons, leaving the team with a depleted roster.
Nevertheless, the Oilers found a game-changer in American guard Petty Parrish, who had previously featured for the club at Basketball Africa League.
His addition in the playoffs proved pivotal, making his debut during the semifinals against the UCU Canons, where he hit four consecutive three-pointers in the decisive third game.
Parrish continued to shine in the Finals, reaching double-digit points in both Game One and Game Two.
Although he had a quiet Game Three, he was outstanding in Game Four on Wednesday, leading the team with a game-high 21 points.
Credit will also go to Veteran guard Ben Komakech who started the campaign as an assistant coach, but had to return to court after the exit of key players. And he proved vital in crucial moments.
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
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NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum