FUFA accused of bullying Uganda Premier League clubs

When FUFA released a ‘proposal' to reduce the topflight league teams from 16 to 12 starting with the 2021/2022 season, many thought these were suggestions that would be debated by all stakeholders before taking a final position.

However, New Vision has established that these were not proposals but rather decisions taken by the FUFA executive and the next move is to impose them on Uganda Premier League clubs whether they agree or not.

According to Proline FC director Mujib Kasule, FUFA already decided to have 12 teams during the 2021/2022 season. So it will be a waste of time if clubs send in their suggestions.

"These are not proposals, everyone who gives an alternative view is viciously attacked by FUFA. If they feel these proposals are good, they (FUFA) were supposed to consult the clubs first to know their views since they are the owners of the league. But because they knew that when they bring it the clubs will dismiss it, they are now forcing it on the clubs and floating it around to see who rejects it," stated Kasule.

"Recently FIFA came out with different proposals they wanted to give Africa, but they did not decide for Africa. But rather FIFA president Gianni Infantino met with the CAF executive to ask their views about the proposals and FUFA president Moses Magogo is one of those that contributed. This shows that FIFA respects CAF," Kasule said

However, according to Kasule, it is a different case for Uganda where FUFA, in their usual bullish and vindictive manner, dictates how clubs are supposed to manage their league.

"When you look at the constitution of FIFA it shows that members will always conduct their business independently.  According to our constitution, the league must be owned and managed by clubs through their company and these 16 clubs are direct members in the FUFA assembly. FUFA has weakened the assembly, that's why they pass decisions in their executive meeting which is supposed to be done by the assembly.

"There is a sinister plan by FUFA to own the league. FUFA was supposed to approach the owners of the league (the clubs) with their proposals to have their say, not the executive to first decide then send it to the clubs. FUFA has weakened the clubs to the extent that some can't come to fight for their rights," he added.

Kasule pointed out that the FUFA executive has not right in decision making, but rather the FUFA assembly.

"The decision-making body is the assembly. The executive can implement the decisions taken in the assembly. However, the executive can make suggestions that have to be brought to the assembly. In a situation where there is an emergency before the assembly sits, the executive can take decisions but all those decisions must be ratified by the assembly.  The role of decision making is not for the executive but rather the assembly. The assembly was weakened and the clubs fear to come out comment on such," he noted

Kasule's submissions come at a time when FUFA boss Magogo revealed during a local radio sports show that his executive can take decisions without getting input from the assembly."The constitution is clear, it gives the executive a chance to make decisions even without requiring approval from the general assembly.

And this is not only done in Uganda but to be a member of CAF or FIFA you have to follow that norm," stated Magogo. Magogo claimed that all the stake-holders including players, coaches and referees have a right to give their views about the proposals. However, this comes at a time when Uganda Cranes coach Jona-than McKinstry is reported to have seriously warned national team players against commenting on the matter.