JKL Lady Dolphins defend walkover decision, cite procedural lapses

JKL Lady Dolphins Executive Chairman Benjamin Charles Bagonza has defended the club’s decision not to play their National Basketball League second-round opener against KIU Rangers, insisting the team followed official procedures despite being handed a walkover defeat.

JKL were awarded a 20–0 loss after failing to appear at UCU in Mukono on Saturday.

The match was originally scheduled for 2:00 PM but was moved to 4:00 PM following heavy rain. However, JKL maintains they only recognized the original fixture time.

Bagonza told Vision Sports that the club did not refuse to honour the match, but instead followed what was formally communicated.

“JKL Lady Dolphins did not fail to honor the fixture. The club was present at the venue from 10 AM for a match officially scheduled at 2 PM. The club fulfilled its obligation under the published fixture. The match did not proceed due to a subsequently communicated time change that was not issued through the formal channels required under FUBA Competition Rules and Regulations,” he said.

He added that the club could not accept a last-minute change that was not communicated through official federation channels.

“The club rejected the revised 5:00 PM tip-off time because no formal communication, written letter, or official email was received notifying the change.”

FUBA Competition Rules and Regulations, Section 4.13(d), requires that any adjustment to game time be formally communicated by the federation. Section 4.14(a) binds a team’s attendance obligation to the officially communicated fixture time.

JKL also insisted they communicated their position before the walkover ruling was made.

“Yes. An official email was submitted by the Executive Chairman to FUBA, with relevant parties copied, protesting the schedule change and placing the club’s position on record. This communication was sent before any walkover determination was made. The club maintains a record of this correspondence,” he said.

The club further argued that the situation must be understood in the context of a difficult season.

“The club is managing a challenging period. Three players are currently carrying injuries, and the club has made a clear and non-negotiable decision not to field injured players. Player health comes first.”

Only five players were available for selection on the day of the match.

Bagonza admitted that injuries, exams, and player movement have had a major impact on the team.

“Each factor has had a real impact this season. Injuries are the most immediate challenge, with three players unavailable at present. The club will not compromise on recovery timelines to meet a fixture schedule, and we stand by that position.”

The chairman also raised concerns about fixture handling and consistency in league administration.

“The club showed up for other fixtures and competed. What JKL Lady Dolphins will not accept is being placed in situations arising from informal, undocumented procedural changes on match day.”

The walkover has sparked speculation about JKL’s future in the league, but the chairman dismissed claims of an immediate exit.

“The club is conducting an internal review of its participation options for Round 2 and the play-offs. That review is ongoing, and any formal decision will be communicated through the appropriate channels to FUBA and the Competitions Council.”

“As of today, JKL Lady Dolphins remain in the league. The events of 25 April are part of the broader picture the club is assessing. We will not be pressured into a rushed decision, nor will we make announcements before the internal process is complete.”

Under federation rules, a team that refuses to play after instruction loses the game 20–0 and receives no points. The ruling also means JKL forfeit their earlier 68–47 win over KIU from the first round.

JKL’s season has already been affected by major player exits. Last season’s MVP Hope Akello moved to Morocco, while Evelyn Nakiyingi left mid-season. Shadia Nassanga switched to a netball contract abroad, and Brenda Ekone remains sidelined while recovering from injuries sustained in an attack. New arrivals Shiphra Kiranda and Angee Melinda Laker have joined as the club works to rebuild its squad depth.