More questions remained behind when FUFA slapped a five-year ban on referee Emanuel Kiweewa on Friday over bribery. The FUFA ethics committee passed the sentence to the Kampala region FA referee which restrains him from taking part in any football related activities for the five years.
Kiweewa was accused of soliciting Shs1m bribe to influence the result of a semi-final match between Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) and St. Lawrence University (SLAU) during the semi-final of the 2019 Pepsi University Football League.
Kiweewa was allegedly recorded in an audio last October asking for money from UMU coach Noah Mugerwa on the eve of the game which is contrary to the FUFA Ethics code. The game was played on 18th October 2019 ended 1-1 in normal time before Noah Mugerwa’s UMU lost 3-2 on penalties.
The result is said to be the reason why Mugerwa decided to spread the audio but the coach was not punished for the illegal dealings as he, in the recording, is also heard persuading the referee to influence for him the results and also going ahead to bargain. This leaves questions behind why the coach was not punished if the referee was not only set up.
The other key question is why the Kampala region FA did not include Kiweewa on the 2020 list of match officials sent to FUFA even before he was found guilty of the accusations yet Ali Kaddu and Moses Kirangwa who were still serving suspensions were included on the list.
Although Kiweewa remains with a chance to appeal, his punishment was sent out to the media before serving him formally yet he only appeared once to the committee in which he denied allegations.
“I was not given a fair hearing. I was invited once and I denied the allegations. I was called the second time with Mugerwa and he failed to commit that he gave me any bribe because he clearly knew the result did not go his way. I learned about the ban from a Sanyuka TV and Radio Sapientia FM journalist who called me. I am waiting for formal communication to decide on the next move,” noted Kiweewa who was in line for a FIFA referee badge.
The 29-year old officiated the opening game of the 2019/2020 season as New comers Kyetume beat record 16-time champion s SC Villa 1-0 at Namboole stadium. He was also in charge of the Big league final last year and many other big encounters.
