Uganda’s football governing body FUFA has taken a firm stance on officiating standards, moving swiftly to discipline match officials following a string of controversial decisions in the Uganda Premier League.
With criticism mounting over questionable calls, FUFA has opted for accountability, handing down suspensions through its Referees Disciplinary Panel in a bid to restore confidence in match officiating.
The heaviest sanctions stem from the Buhimba United versus Police fixture, where a breakdown in basic officiating procedures saw six officials suspended for three months. Referee Henry Musisi, assistants Fred Kinyera and Samuel Mbabali, fourth official John Ssemakula, match commissioner Christopher Kugonza and assessor Hillary Kimbugwe were all penalized and directed to undergo refresher training.
Their lapse centered on allowing Buhimba United’s Eric Nyonyintono to participate in a mismatched kit, a breach that raised questions about pre-match checks and overall game management.
In another ruling, assistant referee Immaculate Ongiera was sanctioned after wrongly flagging offside in SC Villa’s clash with Express, denying Hassan Mubiru a legitimate goal in a decision that sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.
Referee Emmanuel Okudra also fell on the wrong side of the panel’s verdict following Police’s encounter with SC Villa, where he disallowed what was deemed a valid goal for the record champions.
The latest action by FUFA signals a shift toward stricter enforcement and professional standards, as the federation seeks to address growing concerns over the integrity and consistency of officiating in the domestic league.
