Kampala, Uganda: The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has suspended seven match officials from future Uganda Premier League appointments following controversial decisions in recent league matches that have sparked debate over refereeing standards.
The suspensions follow incidents in the Kampala derby between SC Villa and Express FC on March 7, 2026, and the Buhimba United Saints FC versus Police FC match played on February 17, 2026.
According to FUFA, the affected officials were referred to the Referees Disciplinary Panel after investigations by the Referees Standing Committee.
Those suspended include assistant referee Immaculate Ongiera, who officiated during the Villa–Express derby. The other officials sanctioned over the Buhimba United Saints–Police FC match are referee Henry Musisi, assistant referees Samuel Mbabali and Fred Kinyera, fourth official John Semakula, match assessor Hillary Kimbugwe, and general coordinator Christopher Kugonza.
The disciplinary action follows a controversial moment during the Kampala derby when SC Villa striker Hassan Mubiru scored after receiving a pass from Aslam Semakula and beating Express goalkeeper Khassim Hafizi. The goal was ruled out for offside, but television replays later showed Mubiru appeared to be onside.
In the Buhimba United Saints versus Police FC match, FUFA faulted the entire officiating team for allowing substitute Eric Nyonyintono to enter the field wearing a jersey different from those of his teammates. Nyonyintono later scored the equaliser after Reagan Male had given Police FC the lead.
However, the federation did not sanction assistant referee Julius Mukasa, who failed to flag an offside in Saidi Mayanja’s goal during KCCA FC’s 2–1 victory, despite replays indicating the forward appeared to be in an offside position.
The suspensions come at a time when refereeing decisions in the Uganda Premier League are increasingly coming under scrutiny from clubs, fans and analysts.
FUFA has, in recent years, intensified disciplinary measures aimed at protecting the integrity of Ugandan football.
Earlier this year, Buhimba United Saints players Ayebale Moses, Dudu Ramathan and Nkata Fred were provisionally suspended for 90 days over alleged match-fixing in a Uganda Premier League fixture against Lugazi FC in November 2025.
The investigation was opened under Article 43 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code, which addresses manipulation of football matches, and the matter was also referred to Uganda Police due to potential violations under the National Sports Act.
In another disciplinary case last season, BUL FC defender Walter Ochora pushed referee Henry Musisi during a Uganda Cup quarter-final against Kitara FC, while head coach Abbey Kikomeko attempted to confront match officials. Kikomeko was later suspended for six months, while Ochora received a 10-match ban.
FUFA has also sanctioned clubs for fan misconduct, including Express FC, which received a suspended two-point and two-goal deduction after supporters threw bottles at match officials during a league match against Vipers SC.
The latest suspensions highlight the growing pressure on referees as FUFA seeks to enforce accountability and maintain fairness in the Uganda Premier League.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
