Tragedy struck the Uganda Premier League (UPL) on Friday, November 1, 2024, as assistant referee Peter Kabugo suddenly passed away during a match between SC Villa and UPDF at Wankulukuku Stadium.
Kabugo collapsed on the field mid-game, with the match halted briefly as medical personnel rushed to provide assistance. Despite their efforts, he was later pronounced dead, leaving the football community and fans in shock.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) expressed deep sorrow over Kabugo’s passing, issuing a statement: “FUFA regrets to announce the sudden passing of National Assistant Referee, Peter Kabugo, who collapsed during a league match at Wankulukuku Stadium on Friday, 1st November 2024.” The statement also confirmed that a postmortem examination will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
Kabugo was a well-regarded official, known for his dedication and fair conduct on the pitch. His sudden passing has led to calls for greater support for match officials’ health, with discussions on whether increased resources are needed to safeguard referees who face high physical demands.
The tragic event cast a shadow over SC Villa’s eventual 5-0 victory, as players, officials, and fans alike grappled with the shock of Kabugo’s passing.
In his memory, FUFA has announced plans to hold a moment of silence at upcoming league matches, as the Ugandan football community mourns the loss of a respected figure who served the game with commitment and integrity.
