FUFA investigates violent end to Kitara-BUL quarter-final

________________

FUFA has launched an investigation into the violent scenes that marred the Uganda Cup quarter-final between Kitara FC and BUL FC at Royals Park Stadium in Butema on Sunday, 20 April 2025.

The match, which ended 1-0 in favour of Kitara FC, was overshadowed by indiscipline and chaotic scenes, prompting the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to take immediate action.

“The relevant bodies under the FUFA Judicial Commission have taken interest in the Uganda Cup Match,” FUFA said in a statement.

“Investigations will be conducted and corrective measures applied in accordance with football statutes and regulations if breaches by any party are found.”

The chaos erupted during stoppage time when BUL FC defender Walter Ochora violently shoved referee Henry Musisi to the ground after teammate Nicholas Mwere was shown a red card.

Tensions escalated further when BUL head coach Abbey Kikomeko attempted to physically confront the referee, but was restrained by security personnel.

The result marked Kitara FC’s first-ever win over BUL FC in seven encounters. Prior to this, BUL had enjoyed dominance with five wins and two draws. Kitara’s hard-fought victory was secured by Arthur Kiggundu’s 86th-minute strike, booking them a spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 Uganda Cup.

👉Kitara break BUL curse to storm Uganda Cup semis

Kitara applied early pressure, with Rogers Mugisha’s threatening free-kick in the 12th minute forcing a critical clearance from BUL’s goalkeeper.

In the second half, BUL’s Karim Ndugwa rattled the crossbar in the 49th minute. The match’s intensity reached a boiling point in the 62nd minute when both Titus Tito (Kitara) and Jerome Kirya (BUL) were sent off.

Despite the mounting tension, Kitara maintained their composure and held on for the win, while BUL finished the match with just nine players following Mwere’s dismissal.

Incidents of misconduct and indiscipline in Ugandan football are not new. FUFA has consistently taken a firm stance on such behaviour.

In 2011, SC Villa player Denis Guma was suspended for one month and fined sh500,000 after mysteriously disappearing from the national team camp ahead of a trip to Morocco. He also missed three league matches as part of his punishment.

In 2019, FUFA suspended SC Villa coach Wasswa Bbosa and Vipers SC coach Jorge De Costa for attacking match officials during league games.

More recently, in 2021, Uganda Cranes midfielder Khalid Aucho was dismissed from the national team camp for refusing to use official transport and for reporting late. FUFA cited a breach of the national team Code of Conduct.

The events at Royals Park have once again placed the spotlight on discipline in Ugandan football.