Uganda Premier League: FUFA sanctions to Express FC and Lugazi players

The FUFA Disciplinary Panel has issued rulings on two incidents stemming from recent Uganda Premier League fixtures, reinforcing its stance on safety compliance and player conduct.

One of the cases involved Express FC following their April 21, 2026 clash against NEC FC. The panel reviewed a situation where the matchday ambulance failed to transport injured player Richard Basangwa due to a mechanical fault.

A Land Cruiser had to be used to rush an unconscious Richard Basangwa away after the ambulance was found non-functional due to a flat tire.

To the concerned, how safe are the players? #UPLwithKawalya pic.twitter.com/1S63n95GQI

— Brian Kawalya 🇺🇬 (@BrianKawalya1) April 21, 2026

After assessing submissions, the panel determined that Express FC had breached Rule 39(4) of the FUFA Competition Rules by failing to ensure a fully functional ambulance at the venue. As a result, the club has been fined UGX 1,000,000 ($268.90), with payment required within 14 days.

The panel also cautioned the club to meet all medical requirements to safeguard the integrity of the game.

In a separate case from the April 25 fixture between Lugazi FC and Kitara FC, disciplinary action was taken against Lugazi player Leku Alfred.

The panel found the player guilty of violent conduct after he struck a match official with a water bottle, an offence that contravenes Rule 48(3) of the FUFA Competition Rules and Article 14(3) of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code.

Leku Alfred has been handed a five-match suspension across all FUFA-organised competitions, effective immediately.

With only five matches left this season, the sanction effectively ends his current campaign and will carry over into the 2026/2027 season if necessary. He was also fined UGX 500,000 ($134.50) and warned over his future behaviour.

The rulings highlight FUFA’s commitment to maintaining discipline, player safety, and respect for match officials across its competitions.