FUFA hands Vipers fan five-year ban

By James Bakama

FUFA decisions:
Vipers fan Kitaka banned for five years
Buikwe ground suspended indefinitely
Match to be replayed today (Sunday) at Namboole
Masaka doctor suspended until end of season

Vipers FC fan Fred Kitaka has been banned for five years from any Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) activities.

Kitaka, who was arrested by police on Tuesday, was one of the figures behind a bloody clash between Vipers and SC Villa fans.

The match was abandoned after fourth official Ronald Kirangwa was stoned and suffered a head injury.

“Kitaka won’t have access to any of our football matches,” explained FUFA vice president in charge of the Super League Mujib Kasule.

FUFA’s disciplinary committee has also indefinitely suspended Buikwe ground.

“Vipers will have to get an alternative ground. It is clearly evident that the security of players, fans and offi cials can’t be guaranteed in Buikwe,” said competition committee boss Decolas Kiiza on Saturday as FUFA cracked the whip.

FUFA has also ruled that the match be replayed on Sunday at Namboole.

Vipers, who have had Buikwe as their home for three and half seasons, decide today (Sunday) where they will play their last first round match. They were supposed to host Soana on Tuesday.

Vipers secretary Haruna Kyobe apologized to Villa for any damages they might have suffered. But he also described FUFA’s decision as too harsh.

“Our ground has always been one of the most peaceful. We’ve only had two incidents of chaos. Why punish us so hard?”

He however conceded that there are some improvements that have to be made at their stadium like uplifting the dressing rooms.

“We shall definitely work on them then re-apply to FUFA.”

Meanwhile, Masaka Town Council FC medical official Jumba Bull has also been suspended until the end of the season and also fined sh500,000. He is accused of not only being violent, but also inciting players.

Speaking after a press conference in Mengo where FUFA announced the punitive measures, Kiiza said the federation will treat fans who were seriously injured in Buikwe.