BUL FC coach, players hit with heavy bans after referee assault

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has launched serious disciplinary actions following violent scenes during the Uganda Cup quarter-final clash between Kitara FC and BUL FC on April 20, 2025, at Royals Park Stadium in Butema.

Kitara FC defeated BUL FC 1-0 to secure  semi-final spot  their first-ever win over the Jinja-based side in seven meetings.

But what should have been a football celebration turned ugly as tempers flared and discipline broke down late in the game.

The turning point came In stoppage time when BUL FC defender Walter Ochora violently pushed referee Henry Musisi to the ground after teammate Nicholas Mwere was shown a red card. 

The situation worsened when BUL’s head coach Abbey Kikomeko tried to physically confront the referee, only to be restrained by security officers.

In response, FUFA has handed out tough punishments.

“The FUFA Disciplinary Panel has imposed an immediate six-month suspension from all football-related activities on BUL FC Coach Kikomeko Abbey for his violent conduct towards a steward as well as the violent and threatening conduct towards match officials during the Stanbic Uganda Cup match between Kitara FC and BUL FC,” reads a statement from FUFA.

Coach Kikomeko has also been fined UGX 5,000,000.

BUL defender Nicholas Mwere, who received a red card before the violence, has been suspended for 10 matches in FUFA competitions and fined UGX 1,000,000 for pushing the referee.

However, due to his apology and remorse, FUFA reduced his suspension by two games, meaning he will serve an immediate 8-match ban, in addition to the automatic suspension from the red card.

His teammate Walter Ochora was not spared either. FUFA also issued him a 10-match ban and fined him UGX 1,000,000 for the same offense  pushing the referee.

“The sanctions take immediate effect,” FUFA confirmed.

The game had earlier seen red cards issued to both Titus Tito (Kitara FC) and Jerome Kirya (BUL FC) in the 62nd minute after a heated altercation.

Despite the disruptions, Kitara held their nerve and secured victory through an 86th-minute strike by Arthur Kiggundu.

Kitara FC has also faced disciplinary action. FUFA has suspended three of their players Titus Ssematimba, Henry Kaddu Patrick, and George Senkaaba  for two matches each due to improper conduct around the 60th minute of the same match.

“Each of the three Kitara players has also been given a suspended fine of UGX 500,000, which will be imposed if they repeat similar behavior,” FUFA added.

The disciplinary wave extended beyond this match. FUFA sanctioned Kataka FC for incidents in the FUFA Big League, where their players attacked match officials during a game against Blacks Power FC. 

The club received a UGX 2,000,000 fine and a suspended deduction of two points and two goals.

The action comes after NEC FC head coach Hussein Mbalangu was handed a two-match suspended ban and fined UGX 1,000,000, while Express FC was punished for fan misconduct after their supporters threw bottles at match officials during a 2-2 draw with Vipers SC on April 11 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.