Sports 26 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
FUFA Suspends Big League Referees Amid Officiating Complaints and Fan Trouble
FUFA has suspended several referees from Big League matches for errors like allowing clashing kits and wrongly disallowing goals, as West Nile clubs demand fair officiating amid repeated fines for fan hooliganism. Teams like Paidha Black Angels and Onduparaka face points deductions and financial penalties, heightening relegation risks. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/fufa-big-league-referees-suspended--5404206
The FUFA Big League is grappling with poor officiating and persistent fan violence, prompting suspensions for several referees and heavy fines for clubs.
West Nile-based teams have voiced strong concerns over biased refereeing that they say sparks crowd unrest. Paidha Black Angels sit third with 32 points from 20 matches but would be second without a two-point deduction and two-goal docking from their November draw against Ntugasaze in Zombo, plus a Shs500,000 fine for fan chaos.
The club recently faced another Shs500,000 penalty and warning after access issues at Bar’Okoro Stadium during a 2-1 loss to Kataka. Nebbi Central, hovering one point above relegation on 21 points, also lost points for supporter trouble in a match against Wakiso Giants.
Onduparaka, struggling with 18 points near the drop zone, copped a Shs500,000 fine this month for fan incidents, with threats of harsher penalties. Club CEO urged FUFA to crack down on suspect refereeing, while Nebbi Central’s relations officer called for fan education, standardized officiating, and match broadcasts—absent for two seasons.
FUFA acted decisively, suspending officials from recent games: Henry Musisi and team from Buhimba United Saints vs Police for permitting a clashing shirt; Immaculate Ongiera for three months over an offside call in SC Villa vs Express; and Emmanuel Okudra for three months for disallowing a valid goal in Police vs Villa. All must complete a refresher course.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)