KCCA FC’s recent misstep has sent shockwaves through the Uganda Premier League (UPL). Fielding Gavin Kizito Mugweri, an ineligible player, in their match against Mbarara City FC has cost the team dearly, leading to a match forfeiture and a stern FUFA Disciplinary Panel ruling. The root of this chaos lies in referee William Oloya’s failure to document player bookings accurately during KCCA’s earlier clash with NEC FC. This glaring oversight, akin to a cracked foundation in an otherwise sturdy house, has tarnished the credibility of the league’s systems.
KCCA submitted their lineup for scrutiny, trusting UPL’s monitoring system, which reported only two bookings against Kizito. However, Mbarara City, equipped with video evidence, revealed the player had indeed accumulated three bookings, disqualifying him from play. The proverb, “A stitch in time saves nine,” resonates deeply here, as timely vigilance by KCCA and UPL could have averted this embarrassment. The FUFA ruling has stripped KCCA of three points and three goals, a harsh but necessary measure to uphold the league’s integrity.
Referee William Oloya, a FIFA-accredited official as of December 2024, has faced severe consequences. Suspended for six months and directed to undergo training on reporting standards, his fall from grace underscores a larger systemic flaw. This incident casts a shadow over Uganda’s referee sector at a critical time, with the nation gearing up to host the prestigious CHAN tournament. Such controversies jeopardize Uganda’s reputation on the international stage, raising questions about the preparedness and professionalism of its officiating body.
This saga highlights the urgent need for reforms across the UPL ecosystem. Clubs like KCCA must strengthen their statistics teams to avoid similar pitfalls, while FUFA and UPL must enhance referee training and adopt technology-driven monitoring to ensure accountability. As Uganda steps into the CHAN spotlight, the refereeing fraternity has an opportunity to rebuild trust and showcase excellence. The challenge lies in learning from this debacle to ensure a robust and credible officiating framework.
