FUFA back in court over league

Oct 06, 2009

OFFICIALS of soccer governing body FUFA have filed their defence in a case in which Express FC accuses them of irregularly governing football activities in the country.

By Douglas Mazune, Swalley Kenyi and Edward Anyoli

OFFICIALS of soccer governing body FUFA have filed their defence in a case in which Express Football Club accuses them of irregularly governing football activities in the country.

Through Ssekaana and Company Advocates, FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa, CEO Edgar Watson and returning officer Patrick Okanya yesterday defended themselves in a seven-page document filed in Kampala High Court.

Express F.C two weeks ago dragged Mulindwa, Watson and Okanya to court challenging the legal existence of FUFA under the NCS Act. Express argued that the officials are running soccer activities through FUFA which is not properly constituted as per the NCS Act.

The defendants argue that FUFA is duly registered and recognised by National Council of Sports (NCS), having complied with all NCS requirements.

“We will bring evidence to show that Mulindwa is duly and rightfully elected president of FUFA. We will bring a guarantor to FUFA,” their defence read in part.

The defence stated that at all material times Mulindwa accounted to a general assembly that also approved an annual budget that was audited by a competent audit firm appointed by the same body.

The defence lawyers argued that FUFA is an incorporated association and is duly and properly constituted as an incorporation association, as per the amended FUFA constitution of 2005.

“FUFA was registered with NCS in 1966 as the official and nationally recognised football governing body,” the defence stated.

The case will be handled by Justice Vincent Zehurikize at a date yet to be set.

Mbale drags FUFA election officer to court
Mbale District Football body MDFA has also dragged FUFA returning officer Okanya to court protesting guidelines of the forthcoming general elections.

Mbale association’s secretary Amidu Masaba confirmed the case was filed through Gyabi and Co Advocates on Monday, saying that they want FUFA to allow MDFA chairmen and secretaries to vote.

Mbale is contesting FUFA election guidelines that provide for only club officials, schools representatives, women, youth football and referees representatives to vote in the district assembly.

It is the second court case from Mbale district against FUFA after then relegated Mbale Heroes FC sought to be reinstated in the Uganda Super League 2006.

Masaba argued: “We are affiliated to FUFA and we voted in 2005 how come we are not allowed to vote this time?”

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