Soltilo Bright Stars handed 30-day ultimatum to clear Ineah salary dues

FUFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) has directed Bright Stars FC to pay part of the outstanding salaries and bonuses owed to midfielder Joel Ineah Muhindo, bringing partial closure to a contract dispute between the player and the Big League outfit.

In its ruling, the Chamber partially upheld Ineah’s claim and ordered Bright Stars to pay a total of UGX 1,080,000, covering unpaid salaries for October and November 2024, January 2025, as well as an outstanding match bonus.

However, the claims for February 2025 salary, interest, and compensation for the remaining contract period were dismissed.

Bright Stars FC have been given 30 days to comply with the decision, failure of which could attract enforcement measures under FUFA regulations.

The dispute traces back to a three-year employment contract signed on 18 September 2024, running until 30 June 2027. Under the agreement, Ineah was entitled to a monthly salary of UGX 350,000 in addition to performance-related bonuses.

Represented by international sports lawyer Pauline Mbanza, the player informed the Chamber that the club failed to honor salary payments for several months and also left a match bonus unpaid.

After issuing a default notice and attending a meeting that failed to resolve the matter, Ineah terminated his contract on 24 March 2025, citing just cause in line with FIFA regulations.

He subsequently sought payment of arrears, compensation for the remaining contract term, interest, and disciplinary action against the club.

In response, Bright Stars FC, through CEO Harold Atukwatse, acknowledged arrears for October and November 2024and January 2025, but denied liability for the February 2025 salary and strongly contested the compensation claim.

The club argued that the player had stopped reporting for duty, participated in unauthorized football activities specifically the Ntare Schools League and had effectively abandoned his contractual obligations.

After assessing submissions from both parties, the FUFA DRC concluded that Bright Stars breached the contract by failing to pay certain salaries and bonuses.

However, the Chamber also ruled that Ineah did not adequately safeguard his right to compensation, noting that he stayed away from club duties without sufficient notice. By the time the dispute reached an advanced stage, the Chamber observed, both parties had clearly lost interest in sustaining the employment relationship.

Bright Stars, relegated from the Uganda Premier League last season for the first time in 11 years, are currently 7th in the Big League with 19 points after 14 matches, as they continue to navigate both on-field and off-field challenges.