Nine Referees Suspended in Uganda Premier League Controversy

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has suspended nine match officials for three months following a series of officiating errors in the Uganda Premier League. The disciplinary panel's decision was made due to breaches of match officiating standards, which led to widespread controversy among club supporters.

The suspended officials include referee Henri Musisi, assistant referees Fred Kinyera and Samuel Mbabali, fourth official John Semakula, match commissioner Christoph Kugonza, and referee assessor Hilari Kimbugw. These six officials are required to undergo mandatory refresher training before returning to duty.

Additionally, assistant referee Immacul Ongiera was suspended after incorrectly ruling a legitimate goal offside during a goalless draw between SC Villa and Express FC, a decision later confirmed as an error by video evidence. Ongiera will also attend a refresher course.

The third incident involved referee Okudra disallowing a valid goal for Police FC against SC Villa, despite no offside infringement, leading to Police FC's 1-0 victory. Okudra has also been suspended for three months and will undergo further training, highlighting FUFA's commitment to improving officiating standards in the competitive Uganda Premier League.