Uganda: FUFA swings into action as referees face sanctions over costly league errors

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has taken decisive steps to address growing concerns over officiating standards in the Uganda Premier League, handing out sanctions to several match officials following controversial incidents in recent fixtures.

Through its Referees Disciplinary Panel, FUFA has imposed suspensions and corrective measures aimed at restoring confidence in match officiating across the league.

FUFA Referees Disciplinary Panel Decisions – 23rd March 2026 pic.twitter.com/hfjiTQtdMJ

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) March 23, 2026

The heaviest punishment stems from the clash between Buhimba United Saints FC and Police FC, where six officials were found to have breached match officiating standards.

Referee Henry Musisi, assistants Kinyera Fred and Mbabali Samuel, fourth official Ssemakula John, match commissioner Kugonza Ssemu Christopher, and referee assessor Kimbugwe Hillary Godfrey have all been suspended for three months.

In addition to the bans, they are required to undergo a refresher course.

The panel’s decision follows an incident in which Buhimba United’s Eric Nyonyintono was allowed to participate in the match wearing a jersey that differed in colour from his teammates, an oversight deemed unacceptable at top-flight level.

In another ruling, assistant referee Immaculate Ongiera has been handed a three-month suspension after incorrectly flagging offside during the high-profile encounter between SC Villa and Express FC, denying Hassan Mubiru a legitimate goal.

Elsewhere, referee Emmanuel Okudra has also been suspended for three months following his decision to rule out a valid goal for SC Villa in their match against Police FC.

These actions underline FUFA’s firm stance on accountability and its commitment to improving officiating standards as the season progresses, sending a clear message that costly errors will not go unpunished.