Local football governing body, Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has promised to deal with a new wave of hooliganism amongst football fans during the Uganda Premier League games.
The latest incident happened on Wednesday at Kakindu Stadium in Jinja where a section of Busoga United fans pelted stones on to the pitch as their side was playing Express FC in a league encounter.
As players, officials and journalists took cover on the pitch, police fired teargas to disperse rowdy and violent bods who had become a security threat.
Trouble ensued moments after Allan Kayiwa scored a free kick in the 87th minute to give Express the lead against the hosts. Fans who accused the referee of biased officiation got rowdy forcing security officials to take action.
Commenting on the issue, FUFA has condemned the act of hooliganism and has vowed to crack a whip on the culprits after bringing them to book.
“We shall not accept hooliganism in football. FUFA Judicial bodies will continue to handle cases that are in breach of football regulations,” FUFA said in a missive posted on their socials.
“Investigations will be conducted and adjudication made on all perpetrators involved in acts of hooliganism,” another part of the statement read.
The incident at Kakindu comes just days after a section of SC Villa fans pelted stones in their side’s 2-1 loss to Wakiso Giants last week at Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
A Wakiso Giants medic was injured by a suspected stone on the forehead. The incident raised a lot of outcry in the football fraternity, drawing the attention of league authorities.
Meanhile, even before the Kakindu incident, FUFA in liaison with Uganda Premier League (UPL) confirmed on Tuesday that they will hold a half-day workshop on safety and security on Thursday 24th November 2022, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm at FUFA House, Mengo to discuss the safety and security aspects of the league.
A circular dated November 15 inviting all SUPL club CEOs, club safety and security officers, stadium CEOs and FUFA security and safety committee members was sent out on Tuesday.
According to UPL website, the parties who are to attend the workshop include Club CEOs, Club Safety and Security Officers, Stadium Safety and Security Officers, and FUFA Safety and Security Committee Members.
