The FUFA Disciplinary Panel (FDP) has unleashed a wave of sanctions following violent and unsporting conduct during the Stanbic Uganda Cup match between Kitara FC and BUL FC. Leading the list of disciplinary actions is a 10-match suspension and UGX 1,000,000 fine imposed on BUL FC’s Nicholas Mwere for aggressively pushing referee Musisi Henry. However, owing to his acceptance of the charge, apology, and evident remorse, the panel suspended two matches, leaving Mwere to serve an immediate eight-match ban, plus the automatic suspension from the red card issued in the same match.
BUL FC coach Kikomeko Abbey has not been spared either. The FDP handed him an immediate six-month suspension from all football-related activities for violent conduct towards a steward and issuing threats to match officials. In addition to the lengthy ban, he has been slapped with a UGX 5,000,000 fine for gross misconduct that severely undermines the spirit of sportsmanship and respect for the game.
Another BUL FC player, Walter Ochora, was also penalized with a 10-match suspension and UGX 1,000,000 fine for similarly pushing the referee during the same volatile encounter. These disciplinary measures take immediate effect and underscore FUFA’s zero-tolerance policy towards any form of violence or intimidation directed at match officials.
Kitara FC also found itself in the spotlight as three of its players — Titus Ssematimba, Henry Kaddu Patrick, and George Senkaaba — were handed two-match bans each. The trio was found guilty of improper conduct contrary to section 43(3) of the FUFA Competition Rules, relating to incidents that occurred around the 60th minute of the heated fixture. Each player has also been issued a suspended fine of UGX 500,000, enforceable upon any future disciplinary breaches.
Separately, Kataka FC has been sanctioned for breaching Article 14 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code after its fans physically attacked match officials during a FUFA Big League encounter with Blacks Power FC. The club received a suspended two-point and two-goal deduction, along with a fine of UGX 2,000,000. FUFA’s latest disciplinary decisions send a strong message reinforcing accountability and respect across all levels of Ugandan football.
