Sepp Blatter to visit Uganda

By James Bakama

Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) president Sepp Blatter is set to visit Uganda.

Former FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa said yesterday that Blatter assured him last month of visiting Uganda soon.

“He told me in Zurich that he would soon be coming,” Mulindwa hinted during his speech while adressing Vipers fans in Buikwe on Sunday.

He hinted that he has for long tried to interest Blatter into visiting Uganda but that the golden opportunity could be blown by the recent wave of violence in Ugandan football.

Mulindwa, who besides being Vipers FC patron is also FUFA honorary president, was referring to bloody clashes between Vipers and SC Villa fans that last week resulted in the banning of Buikwe stadium.

“I condemn these acts in the strongest terms,” stressed Mulindwa adding “sponsors and more fans will only be attracted by a peaceful atmosphere and not machetes, axes and knives.”

FIFA vice president Issa Hayatou, who was in Kampala a year ago, is the most prominent FIFA official to have come to Uganda.

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Vipers fans ask for forgiveness yesterday. Extreme right standing is Kitaka. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

There was a collective sigh of relief as Mulindwa promised more support not only to Vipers, but also other football projects in the area. 

Mulindwa, shocked by the violence that had a Vipers fan Fred Kitaka imprisoned and banned from soccer activities for five years, had threatened to shift the team’s home ground from Buikwe.

Citing Egypt and Senegal that are serving CAF punishments for crowd violence he differed with those against the indefinite suspension of the ground.

“Given the circumstances, that was the best measure that could be taken if confidence was to be restored in fans.”

Mulindwa, who toured the ground before meeting the fans, said the club will use the suspension period to improve on the ground.

Perimeter fencing is to be improved.

Home and visiting fans will also be separated while the dressing rooms, the benches and referees will also be protected.

Buikwe Mayor Godfrey Serunjogi and other authorities in the area all stressed that the hosts were provoked into fighting by foul mouthed and violent Villa fans.

A plea by the fans to have the team train in Buikwe at least twice before matches was granted by Mulindwa, who also offered 500 balls.

He also promised a bull, cash and trophy for a fans’ tournament. The club will also plant trees in the town.