SDCA advocates for arbitration

Sep 28, 2009

THE Super Division Clubs Association (SDCA) have asked Express FC officials to withdraw their court case against the national soccer federation officials. SDCA also condemned Pro-Line Academy for taking officials of the soccer governing body FUFA to court

By Fred Kaweesi, Douglas Mazune, Norman Katende and Swalley Kenyi

THE Super Division Clubs Association (SDCA) have asked Express FC officials to withdraw their court case against the national soccer federation officials.

SDCA also condemned Pro-Line Academy for taking officials of the soccer governing body FUFA to court, saying they should have sought arbitration as their action will lead to a setback for the game’s development.

“On the case of our member club Express, who is seeking to put a stop on all football activities in the country, we strongly condemn the move. We promise to invoke available constitutional provisions to punish the member (Express),” a press release issued after a meeting at FUFA House stated.

The SDCA executive argued that apart from causing clubs financial losses, the court injunction on the Uganda Super League that Pro-line secured was likely to trigger players’ exodus.

“We still have an obligation to tell the parties concerned about the implications of the losses in training expenses, form of players some of whom are needed for national duty in CECAFA Cup in November.”

SDCA chairman Col Jackson ‘Bell’ Tushabe chaired the meeting that was attended by Luyimbazi Mugalu, his secretary Issa Magoola, treasurer Tadeus Kitandwe and their assistants Julius Oyet and Ibrahim Kaigwa.

Express are seeking an order to restrain the federation from organising football-related activities in the country, assemblies and elections until their legal status is proven.

Election plans continue
As the lawyers battle in court, FUFA is going ahead with plans for polls on November 7.

Returning officer Patrick Okanya over the weekend issued guidelines for grass root election. He intends to appoint neutral polls assistants, a departure from the traditional system where district chairmen presided over the polls.

“The nominations for delegates are on October 10 as earlier scheduled and I am going on with my work normally. Work definitely goes on until I get to a point where court stops me, if that ever happens at all,” Okanya said.

The Express case challenging the legality of FUFA could affect the elections if court rules in their favour. The case is yet to be heard.

FUFA affiliated districts, zones, Super Division Clubs Association (SDCA), schools, women, referees, ex-internationals, coaches and tertiary institutes will all elect delegates to the assembly.

Kwizera warns
Godfrey Kwizera is the only aspirant that has so far confirmed his intention to challenge Lawrence Mulindwa for the FUFA top job. Patrick Isiagi, Aldrine Nsubuga and Dennis Mbidde are expected to throw their hats into the ring soon.

Kwizera yesterday continued his campaign bid by accusing the incumbent Mulindwa, of attempting to rig the FUFA presidential elections.

He demanded the release of the list of districts cleared to attend the elective assembly and the club officials eligible to stand.

“FUFA is deliberately holding back the list of districts, clubs that participated in the leagues and their respective officials. It’s part of a conspiracy to rig the elections. They intend to release the list at the last moment, and many perceived Mulindwa opponents will be shocked to see their names missing.”

“They claim Kabale is not fully paid up yet I have a receipt for this year. It’s a ploy to expel the district from the assembly. Mulindwa says that I am a fool, who is not worthy to contest against him. Why doesn’t he let the electorate decide that?”

However, Okanya, pointed that “I stated some time back that the electoral lists will be out on September 30 up to October 10.”

  • National Sports Council (NCS) has jumped into the debate about the legal status of FUFA following Express’ suit filed last week. “NCS was established by an Act of Parliament. What this implies is if a federation or association affiliates to us, it exists legally,” said NCS general secretary Jasper Aligawesa.


  • He said the council has also since introduced a certificate of registration and certificates of compliance.

  • The chairman of the Uganda Ex-international footballers’ Association (UEFA) Ashe Mukasa has called members for a general meeting on October 17 at the FUFA office.
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