The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has suspended all matches involving Express FC following the attack on assistant referee Fahad Ssekayiba on Friday, October 27, 2023.
The suspension, which takes effect immediately, will remain in place until FUFA finds an amicable solution to ensure the safety and security of referees.
The suspension affects several upcoming matches, including the highly anticipated derby between Express and SC Villa, which was scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at Wankulukuku Stadium.
FUFA’s decision comes after the Uganda Football Referees Association (UFRA) threatened to boycott all Express matches until the culprits behind the attack on Sekayiba are brought to justice.
In a letter to FUFA, UFRA CEO Godfrey Kimbugwe wrote:
“On behalf of Uganda Football Referees Association and the whole referees’ fraternity in Uganda, I bring forward an act of hooliganism, barbaric and murderous behavior that the Express FC supporters/fans displayed against referee Fahad Ssekayiba after the UPDF versus Express league game at Matuga along Gulu highway.”
“Express supporters waylaid a car in which referees were travelling and removed the assistant referee and beat him to near death. He is now admitted to Mulago Hospital in critical condition.”
Express FC has condemned the attack on Ssekayiba, stating that it is not affiliated with the club in any way.
The club has also said that it is working with FUFA and the police to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The FUFA Disciplinary Panel has summoned Express to give their defense by Monday, October 30, 2023.
