Eight match officials have been suspended after a string of costly mistakes in the Uganda Premier League, in a move aimed at restoring trust in officiating.
The decision was taken by the Referees Disciplinary Panel under the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), following controversial incidents in three matches, Buhimba United Saints vs Police FC, SC Villa vs Express FC, and Police FC vs SC Villa.
The biggest sanctions came from the game between Buhimba United Saints FC and Police FC.
Referee Musisi Henry, assistants Kinyera Fred and Mbabali Samuel, fourth official Ssemakula John, match commissioner Kugonza Ssemu Christopher, and referee assessor Kimbugwe Hillary Godfrey were all banned for three months.
They allowed Buhimba’s Eric Nyonyintono to play in a different coloured jersey from his teammates, an error that should not happen at this level. All six will also take a refresher course.
In the match between SC Villa and Express FC, assistant referee Immaculate Ongiera was suspended for three months for wrongly flagging offside and denying Hassan Mubiru a legitimate goal.
Referee Emmanuel Okudra completes the list after he was also handed a three-month suspension.
Okudra disallowed a valid SC Villa goal in their game against Police FC, a decision that drew immediate criticism.
