Kampala Rockets were on Wednesday denied a chance to play their National Basketball League fixture against the UCU Canons at Lugogo after failing to clear their registration fees with the league organisers.
The development was confirmed by National Basketball League Management Committee official Gordon Gumisiriza, who revealed that the club had failed to meet the payment deadline despite being granted extra time.
“They haven’t cleared their registration fee to zero, the deadline was start of second round, we gave them more time to clear but nothing was moving,” Gumisiriza said.
Teams are required to pay Shs5 million to participate in the National Basketball League, with the money helping organisers run the competition throughout the season.
Gumisiriza further disclosed that the Rockets still carry outstanding balances from the previous campaign.
“And they have accrued balance from previous season,” he added.
The latest setback adds to what has already been a difficult campaign for Kampala Rockets, who have struggled financially for much of the season.
Delayed salaries have reportedly affected player availability for both games and training sessions.
Several players have already left the club since the end of the first round, including Pauti Ozias Kikomba, who recently joined Sommet.
According to league regulations, any team that forfeits three consecutive games faces expulsion from the league.
The Rockets are now two forfeiture away from that outcome after missing the UCU Canons fixture.
Kampala Rockets are scheduled to face Victoria Crocs on May 23 before taking on Rezlife Saints on May 30, giving them less than ten days to settle the outstanding dues and avoid being thrown out of the competition.
The Rockets currently hold a 2-15 record this season, with their only victories coming against JT Jaguars and UPDF Tomahawks.
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