FIFA and CAF regulations are very clear: the use of firearms inside a stadium is strictly prohibited.
That’s why both organizations have insisted on the training of Football Safety and Security Officers and Stewards to manage fans at stadiums.
What happened yesterday in Bukedea District, when Uganda’s Amus College School dethroned St. Mary’s Kitende in the 2024 FEASSA Games, which had three countries participating, was regrettable, unbelievable, and absolutely pathetic.
Excited fans, including students who had no intent to cause harm or violence, but simply to celebrate their victory, crossed over to the pitch to celebrate with the winning team. They were, however, badly beaten, tear-gassed, and even faced live bullets being fired.
When it comes to crowd control, there is a big difference between violent and excited fans.
When SC Villa won the Premier League after a 20-year wait a few months ago at the Omondi Stadium, excited fans invaded the pitch after the match. I was one of those in charge of security. With a very weak perimeter fence and thousands of fans in the stadium, common sense had to be used to avoid a major stampede.
There was no need for an aggressive approach during or after the match. The experienced police officers listened to advice and did a good job by not firing live bullets or tear gas, and as a result, nobody was injured. Even in Europe, pitch invasions after a team has won a major trophy are common, though not right.
My humble appeal to the Uganda Police is to form a specialized unit that handles major sports events, especially football, similar to the United Kingdom Football Policing Unit (UKFPU). This unit provides advice, assistance, and training to all police forces in England and Wales to ensure a consistent approach to football events. It also strives to reduce violence, antisocial behavior, and disorder at football events involving UK football teams. This unit works closely with football safety and security officers and stewards.
As a FIFA and CAF-certified Safety and Security Officer, and a CAF security trainer, I’m willing to offer free training services to officers of this unit if formed.
Dixon Okello
UK Level 7 Crowd Management Expert
UK Level 7 Event Management Expert
