In Ugandan football, passion runs deep from the fans to the players, coaches, and club owners. However, beyond the roar of the crowd and the glory of goals, there is a darker, mystical undercurrent that many believe influences the outcomes of matches of witchcraft.
Known locally as “juju”, tales of supernatural interventions in football have long been whispered across stadium terraces and backrooms. One recent and controversial case that reignited this conversation occurred during the Stanbic Uganda Cup quarter final between Kitara FC and BUL FC in Hoima on Easter Sunday.
The Kitara versus BUL Uganda Cup Quarter final: A Game shrouded in mystery
On paper, Kitara’s 1-0 win over BUL FC might seem like a hard fought victory in a tightly contested fixture. But for those who witnessed the events surrounding the match at the packed Hoima Stadium, the narrative went far beyond football tactics.
Several spectators claimed to have witnessed strange happenings before and during the game. According to eyewitnesses and the video circulating on socials, Kitara officials were seen making unusual movements around the pitch during the warm-up, some sprinkling unknown substances on the pitch. In local football circles, such acts are widely interpreted as attempts to invoke spiritual protection or even cast spells on opponents.
Witchcraft: A Long-Standing Football Dilemma in Uganda
This was not the first time such accusations surfaced in Ugandan football. Over the years, many clubs, big and small have faced similar allegations. From placing charms inside goal nets to hiring spiritual mediums as part of the technical staff, juju has remained an open secret. Some coaches have even admitted to using it, claiming it gives their teams a psychological edge.
Players have also spoken anonymously about being forced to participate in rituals like bathing in strange concoctions or walking barefoot around stadiums. In some instances, opposing teams have refused to enter dressing rooms, fearing they were “bewitched.”
The Bigger Picture
While belief in witchcraft is deeply rooted in Ugandan culture, its place in football has divided opinion. Critics argue it undermines the spirit of fair play and development of the game, while others see it as part of the psychological warfare that has long been embedded in African football.
Conclusion
Whether real or imagined, the influence of witchcraft in Ugandan football continues to be a topic of fierce debate. The events in Hoima were just the latest chapter in a long, controversial story. As football in Uganda continues to grow and modernize, many wonder if the game can or should completely rid itself of these mystical traditions.
This is sheet against my mighty Kitara F C, why then didn’t Bull also do the same? Busoga is well known for doing that. Is that the reason the ref officiated hash against Kitara even Mwere injured a player who was removed off the pitch and the ref offered nothing? Let it work for who believes in witchcraft.