“Get me money, leave the rest to me”- Ugandan referee recorded asking for bribe from a coach

A national referee Emmanuel Kiweewa is under fire for requesting for a bribe from a team coach so as to enable his team qualify to the University Football League finals.

In a recording that has gone viral, Kiweewa is heard asking Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) head coach, Noah Mugerwa for a one million shillings bribe so as to ease the game for them so that they can qualify for the finals.

On Friday, St. Lawrence University advanced to the University Football League finals after beating Uganda Martyrs University 3-2 on penalties after a one-all draw in the normal time in a game played in Nkozi.

In the recording making rounds, the man in charge of the game is heard talking to the UMU head coach whom he describes as his friend, asking him to give him money so as to ensure matters are taken care of in their favour, ahead of the semi-final game.

“The squad (referees) coming to officiate the game is big and consists of only super league officials. Because I realized you are my friend, I decided to call you and alert you of what is coming. Tell the manager to sort the matter before it is too late,” the centre referee is heard telling the UMU head coach.

As the phone conversation continues, the coach asks the referee to come out clearly on what he clearly wants to be done by the team manager.

“Let him(manager) get one million shillings and leave the rest to me,” the centre referee tells the Uganda Martyrs University football coach.

As the conversation continues, Mugerwa(coach) tells the referee that the amount would be much , adding that it would take a lot of time to process it from the Catholic University administration which among others requires for signatures and stating what the money is going to do.

However, in response, the referee is heard warning the coach of consquences in the money does not come through.

“Unless he doesn't want to qualify for the finals.  You have invested a lot and you wouldn’t want to get here only to fail to make the final. Let him give us money and things are done.”

In the conversation, the university team coach suggests that the team gets money for only the centre referee (Kiweewa) and leave out his other colleagues including the linesmen.

“I don’t think there is a player who does know what I can do. They all fear me because I mean business,” the referee boasts.

Investigated

Following the allegations, FUFA Referee’s Standing Committee on Tuesday suspended Kiweewa indefinitely as investigations into the matter continue.

“You are hereby suspended indefinitely from exercising your duties as a referee from the date of this letter pending completion of investigations into the matter,” reads in part the letter by the FUFA Referees Standing Committee.

Kiweewa has in the past been accused of dubious deals in officiating games in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League but the allegations have never been proved by anyone.

He now risks having his career brought to an abrupt ending.