FUFA, UPL clubs in bitter standoff

If there were still any doubts about the seriousness of UPL clubs Mbarara City, Busoga United, Express, Bright Stars, Bul, Wakiso Giants, Onduparaka and Kyetume in their on-going face-off with FUFA, Wednesday's collective no-show at the would-be consultative meeting between FUFA and UPL ended them. 

Predictably, there were some unforeseen twists at the event held at FUFA HQ in Mengo as SC Villa, who had pledged their support with the protesting clubs, went back on their word and sent club chairman William Nkemba. But given SC Villa's close links with FUFA president Moses Magogo, Nkemba's appearance was ultimately unsurprising. 

The real shock was provided by the duo of Amir Bbosa and Agatha Kayemba, who were fraudulently admitted into the meeting as the representatives of Busoga United. Busoga United director Diana Nyago expressed shock upon learning about the pair, whom she says have no official links to the club. 

"They are impostors," Nyago told New Vision Sports. "I thought I would reach police and we go have them arrested. But then I was reminded that courts are not in session and to secure a court order maybe hard. Secondly I might get there and they turn round and say FUFA invited them in a different capacity. 

"And ultimately they are the ones who have lost; because how do you go and impersonate someone who is very much alive and very active. And as FUFA, how do you allow these fellows in the meeting to deliberate on behalf of a club when you know the registered officials of the club."

Nyago added: "The UPL CEO (Bernard Bainamani) called me yesterday and I assured him Busoga United wouldn't attend. And I gave him my reasons why. So how they went around fishing for impostors is very funny.

"And it shows that there is something they are hiding. What they are doing is not being done in good faith They are manipulators."

For his part, Magogo gave an impassioned plea on behalf of the federation on the points of contention with said UPL clubs.

"Our understanding as FUFA is that we delegated the responsibility to run the league to the UPL board or FSL the company," Magogo said, citing one of the points of dispute with UPL.