The Federation of Uganda’s Football Associations (FUFA) has taken a stern measure by suspending all Uganda Premier League fixtures involving Express FC. This drastic move comes in the aftermath of an appalling incident where Express FC fans allegedly assaulted referee Fahad Sekayuba.
The deplorable attack on referee Sekayuba transpired after he officiated a league match between Express and UPDF at the Bombo military barracks, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Reports suggest that the irate Express supporters, dissatisfied with both the match result and the officiating, physically assaulted Sekayuba.
The severity of the assault left Sekayuba in need of urgent medical attention. He was quickly taken to a clinic in Matugga for initial treatment, where he was found to be bleeding profusely. Subsequently, he was transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for further medical care.
FUFA President Moses Magogo denounced the reprehensible actions of Express fans and vowed to collaborate with authorities to apprehend and prosecute those responsible. However, his condemnation did little to pacify the referees, who subsequently declared their intent to boycott all Express FC matches.
In an official statement signed by CEO Godfrey Kimbugwe, the Uganda Football Referees Association (UFRA) highlighted that the assault on referee Sekayuba is not an isolated incident. Citing a similar incident during the Gaddafi FC game where a match assessor was assaulted, UFRA expressed grave concerns about the indiscipline and disrespect directed toward referees. In response, UFRA decided to withdraw all match officials from officiating football matches involving Express FC until the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Subsequently, FUFA, through a statement signed by Deputy CEO Decolas Kiiza, concurred with the referees’ decision and promptly suspended all fixtures involving Express FC until a satisfactory resolution is reached. The statement called upon Express FC to fully cooperate with both FUFA and the authorities in identifying the culprits responsible for the assault.
Express FC, in its own statement, distanced itself from the attack on referee Sekayuba and pledged complete cooperation with FUFA to identify and penalize the individuals responsible for the assault. The club emphasized its commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for fans, players, and officials, firmly denouncing violence within football. They extended their sympathies to Fahad Sekayuba and wished him a swift recovery, while also offering their readiness to collaborate with investigations to bring the culprits to justice.
Referee Assault Fallout
| Incident Overview | Fan Fury at Referee | Referees’ Boycott | Fufa’s Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| What Happened | Express FC fans allegedly assaulted referee Fahad Sekayuba. | Referees vowed to boycott all Express games following the attack. | Fufa decided to suspend all fixtures involving Express FC. |
| Referee’s Condition | Sekayuba received first aid in Matugga and was transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital. | Referees cited multiple incidents of indiscipline and disrespect. | Fufa called for cooperation to identify and bring culprits to justice. |
| Official Responses | Fufa president Moses Magogo condemned the attack, but it wasn’t enough to stop the referee boycott. | Uganda Football Referees Association (Ufra) highlighted a history of similar incidents. | Fufa suspended Express FC’s league matches and urged cooperation in the investigations. |
| Express FC’s Statement | The club distanced itself from the attack and pledged cooperation with investigations. | Express FC committed to a safe environment in football and wished referee Sekayuba a quick recovery. | The club expressed willingness to work closely with Fufa and the police in the investigation. |
