B y Juma Ali|
Eight individuals have been handed suspensions from football by the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) over allegations of match-fixing and manipulation of football competition results.
Among the eight involved, two are referees including Deogracious Opio and George Nkurunziza as well as six are players from within Uganda’s top three domestic divisions.
The players include two from StarTimes Uganda Premier League side Gadaffi FC namely defender and captain Andrew Waiswa and midfielder Mahad ‘Yaya’ Kakooza – who was part of Express’ title winning side in 2021.
Godfrey Lwasibawa who left Gadaffi to join FUFA Big League side Kitara FC in January has also been suspended.
The winger had been suspended for two games over misconduct during Gadaffi’s 2-0 defeat to Wakiso Giants in November 2022.
The others are Clavary FC goalkeeper Saleh Maganda, Northern Gateway FC goalkeeper Franco Oringa and Ndejje University right back Mwima Abdallah.
The individuals have been provisionally suspended from taking part in any football activity at the national level for a period of 90 days.
FUFA claims to have received confidential reports, confessions from individuals as well as studied the available data from the Match Integrity reports.
FUFA explained in a statement:
“The decision was taken by the Investigation Chamber of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Committee in compliance with Article 73 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code.”
“The individuals mentioned have been provisionally suspended from taking part in any football activity (administrative, sport or any other) at national level for a period of 90 days.”
“The provisional suspension comes into force immediately and has been notified to each individual.”
“The Chamber took decisions following confessions by individuals and available data from the Match Integrity reports,” the statement continued.
“Pursuant to Article 72 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code, the Investigatory Chamber established there is a prima facie case and formal investigation proceedings have been opened against the eight provisionally suspended individuals for possible violations of Articles 41 (Manipulation of football matches), Article 42 (Failure to report), Article 38 (Betting), Article 14 (General Principles of Conduct).”
This move by FUFA is in line with their efforts to combat match-fixing and maintain the integrity of football competitions. The suspensions are a warning to players and officials who might be tempted to engage in such activities.
FUFA has reiterated its commitment to the fight against match-fixing and manipulation of football competition results, and has urged all football stakeholders to report any suspicious behavior that could undermine the integrity of football competitions.
