Ngora, Uganda: The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) has expelled Jinja Progressive Academy (JIPRA) from the ongoing 2025 U-20 National Boys’ Football Championship over serious disciplinary and eligibility violations in their abandoned semifinal clash with St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende.
The decision was communicated by the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) in a Press Release dated May 13, 2025.
The match, held at Ngora High School on May 13, was marred by chaos after JIPRA fans stormed the pitch in protest of an offside decision that nullified their equalizer. The assistant referee fled under threat, prompting police intervention to rescue match officials and restore order.
The match, which had seen St Mary’s Kitende take an early 1-0 lead from a fourth-minute penalty, was called off in the 39th minute and never resumed.
After a thorough investigation, USSSA confirmed that JIPRA had fielded ineligible players, Isabirye Adrian and Ntege Musa, who had each accumulated two yellow cards, a clear violation of tournament rules.
“Fielding ineligible players, Isabirye Adrian and Ntege Musa, both of whom had earned two yellow cards,” the statement read.
USSSA also found the school culpable of failing to control its players and fanbase, who engaged in violent conduct, “including the assault of match officials and the incitement of crowd violence, a breach of USSSA Rules 8.1 and 8.2.”
As a result, the following sanctions were immediately imposed against JIPRA: forfeiture of the semifinal match against Kitende, immediate expulsion from the championship, and eviction from the games village and all related premises in Ngora District
The Association noted that further disciplinary action will be communicated after briefing the Ministry of Education and Sports.
“USSSA remains committed to upholding discipline, integrity, and fair play in all its competitions,” the statement concluded.
With JIPRA expelled, St. Mary’s Kitende, owned by former FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa, automatically advances to the final, where they will meet Buddo Secondary School, who earlier edged Bukedea Comprehensive School in a tense 5-4 penalty shootout following a goalless draw in normal time.
Buddo SS, coached by former Uganda Cranes player Richard Malinga, now sets up a classic showdown with Kitende in what is expected to be a thrilling finale between two giants of Ugandan school football.
This year’s tournament, hosted by USSSA at Ngora High School, has drawn participation from over 1,600 players across 64 schools nationwide.
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