Mbarara City rocked by player standoff as four hit with indefinite suspension

Mbarara City’s troubled season has taken another dramatic turn after the club moved to suspend four of its players in a decision rooted in what management has termed “gross indiscipline.”

In a statement released by the Ankole Lions, the club confirmed that Kitegenyi Henry, Thembo Ibrahim, Wafula Innocent and Fahad Emuran have all been handed indefinite suspensions.

The club says the quartet’s conduct fell short of the standards expected and was incompatible with the values and image of Mbarara City.

“The club management has decided to impose an indefinite suspension on the four players due to behavior that is deemed unprofessional and inconsistent with the values of the club. Their actions have compromised the integrity of the team and brought the club’s reputation into question,” part of the statement read.

Management further stressed that discipline, respect and teamwork remain non-negotiable pillars at the club and that the situation will continue to be reviewed.

However, sources have indicated that the situation is more complex than it appears. It has been established that the four players, together with others in the squad, had informed the club that they would not make themselves available for selection until their four months’ salary arrears are paid.

The impact of the standoff was visible over the weekend when Mbarara City could only name eleven players for their goalless draw with Lugazi FC on Saturday, January 24, at Kamwenge.

With just 11 points on the board and currently sitting in the bottom three of the Uganda Premier League table, the Ankole Lions now face not only a relegation fight but also a growing internal crisis that threatens to derail their season even further.