North East Regional Football Association (NERFA) Chairperson, John Odongo, has condemned coaches and referees who engage themselves in match-fixing.

Odongo said NERFA which is operating under the Federation of Uganda Football Associations FUFA will punish referees and coaches who get involved in the vice.

“Our focus now is to ensure that the game of football is enjoyed by everyone, we want to do away with match-fixing and maintain the integrity of football competitions.

Odongo sounded the warning during the launch of Bishop Patrick Okabe tournament that rolled off at Olio Primary School in Serere Town Council on December 2.

The tournament that has drawn 34 teams from 4 sub-counties and 3 town councils is for the remembrance of the late Okabe’s legacy in support of football in the area.

Bishop Okabe (rip) and his wife perished in a motor accident that happened in 2022 at Naboa Trading Centre along the Mbale-Tirinyi road

The competition which is expected to end on December 20 in Kateta Model Primary Schools was graced by Emmanuel Omoding Okabe, the Member of Parliament Serere County, who cautioned clubs to ensure optimum discipline during the championship.

“Discipline is the core of a sportsman’s success and let all the stakeholders of this tournament exhibit the highest form of discipline,” Omoding noted.

He cautioned the players, match officials, fans, and coaches, to be exemplary in this year’s edition of the tourney and promote the core value of Okabe' tournament.

“This tournament will have to continue whether I’m still an area Member of Parliament or not, but it has to continue yearly, and the winners will be awarded with gifts each year,” said Omoding.

Richard Emanio, CEO of Okabe Foundation commended Omoding for the initiative for providing a talent identification  and promotion venture for the youth in Serere district.