The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has taken disciplinary action against a group of match officials following controversial incidents in recent Uganda Premier League fixtures involving SC Villa, Express FC, Buhimba United Saints FC and Police FC.
The action comes after the FUFA Referees Standing Committee reviewed officiating decisions that occurred in the two matches, raising questions about adherence to the Laws of the Game.
In the high-profile Kampala derby between SC Villa and Express FC played on March 7, Assistant Referee I Immaculate Ongiera was cited in the review.
The match itself ended in a goalless stalemate, but post-match discussions among fans and analysts centred on contentious calls made during the encounter.
A separate review was also conducted for the February 17 fixture between Buhimba United Saints FC and Police FC, which finished in a 1-1 draw at The Royals Park.
Several officials who handled the game have now found themselves under scrutiny as FUFA moves to safeguard officiating standards in the league.
According to the statement issued on March 9, the FUFA Referees Standing Committee resolved to refer the officials involved to the FUFA Referees Disciplinary Panel for further review.
“The FUFA Referees Standing Committee (FRSC) has reviewed recent officiating incidents and referred the following officials to the FUFA Referees Disciplinary Panel (FRDP),” the federation said in the statement.
Those named include Referee Henry Musisi, Assistant Referees Samuel Mbabali and Fred Kinyera, Fourth Official John Semakula, Assessor Hillary Kimbugwe and General Coordinator Christopher Kugonza for the Buhimba United Saints versus Police match.
Assistant Referee Immaculate Ongiera was also listed in connection with the SC Villa against Express FC game that took place earlier this month.
“These officials are suspended from future appointments pending the FRDP hearing,” the statement noted.
FUFA emphasized that the move reflects its commitment to maintaining credibility and professionalism in Ugandan football officiating.
“The FRSC demands high standards from referees by applying the Laws of the Game correctly and will take action against those who compromise the game's integrity.”
The development adds another chapter to the ongoing debate around officiating quality in the Uganda Premier League, where decisions made by referees frequently come under intense scrutiny from clubs, fans, and analysts alike.