Oryem directs on hooligans

By James BakamaEDUCATION and sports state minister Henry Okello Oryem has given clubs one week to submit a list of people picked to curb escalating soccer violence.Clubs, especially those in the Nile Special Super league, within their ranks are supposed to identify officials who can, together with other security organs, curb escalating hooliganism.The trend reached unprecedented levels last week when assistant referee Meddie Masembe was beaten to death by Unique Academy students in Sembabule.“The violence has reached unacceptable proportions,” said Okello in a meeting with clubs and FUFA officials at parliament on Thursday.“Think about the deceased’s wife and children,” said a hurt Oryem, warning that such hooliganism was a scare to sponsors.Okello started the anti-violence campaign late last year after an SC Villa versus KCC league match aborted because of crowd violence.The minister said there is need for more stern measures and teamwork to wipe away violence. “We have to speak the same language on this issue.”