In a significant crackdown on corruption within Ugandan football, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has provisionally suspended 13 individuals, including ten match officials, two administrators, and one player, for their alleged involvement in a widespread match-fixing scheme. This decisive action follows criticism aimed at FUFA for its previously perceived lenient approach to tackling match-fixing.
Individuals Suspended
The suspension affects a broad range of football personnel, highlighting the extent of the issue within the sport. The individuals provisionally suspended include:
- Match Officials: Ali Kaddu, Atuheirwe Joyce, Nabisera Tausi, Geoffrey Sajjabi, Noor Hassan, Muyaga Khalid, Okello Simon Peter, Atuhaire Dorcus, Ichilla Samuel, and Nantantya Godwin.
- Administrators: Former BUL FC CEO Ahmed Kongola and Epieru Richard.
- Player: Kiyemba Latif from Lugazi Football Club.
Matches Under Investigation
The investigation has identified several matches suspected of being targeted for manipulation between October 2023 and December 2023. These matches include:
- Kigezi Homeboyz vs. Kyetume FC on 12/10/2023
- Kaaro Karungi FC vs. Calvary FC on 12/10/2023
- Rines SS WFC vs. Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC on 15/10/2023
- Asubo Gafford Ladies FC vs. She Maroons FC on 15/10/2023
- Jinja North United FC vs. Kyetume FC on 29/10/2023
- Blacks Powers FC vs. Lugazi FC on 02/11/2023
- Kyetume FC vs. Ndejje University FC on 16/11/2023
Mastermind Behind the Scheme
According to the statement from FUFA, the match-fixing operation was orchestrated by Hilfiger Mutyaba, alias “Chelsea,” an ex-convict previously charged and convicted for financial crimes in the Virgin Islands. Mutyaba allegedly led the scheme by recruiting referee Ali Kaddu, who in turn approached and enlisted club officials, players, and other referees to participate in fixing matches.
FUFA’s Stance
FUFA’s decision to suspend the individuals involved is a strong signal of its commitment to combating corruption in Ugandan football. The association has faced past criticism for not doing enough to address match-fixing, and this action marks a notable shift towards a more stringent and proactive stance.
The ongoing investigation is expected to uncover further details about the extent of the match-fixing network and the specific roles played by the suspended individuals. FUFA’s resolve to clean up the sport is critical for restoring integrity and fairness in Ugandan football.
This comes from the back of suspending former Express FC and Gaddafi winger Godfrey Lwesibawa for 5 years a ban that was extended globally by FIFA.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation progresses, the football community in Uganda awaits further developments. The provisional suspensions serve as a warning to all involved in the sport that corruption will not be tolerated. FUFA’s efforts to root out match-fixing are essential to ensuring a fair and competitive environment for players, officials, and fans alike.
In the meantime, FUFA continues to monitor the situation closely and collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served and that the sport is protected from such malpractices in the future.
