Uganda Cup Quarterfinal | Sunday
- Kitara 1-0 BUL
Referee Henry Musisi took center stage in a dramatic Uganda Cup quarterfinal on Sunday, as Kitara FC edged BUL FC 1-0 in a fiery clash at Royal Park, Butema to book their place in the semifinals.
In a game marred by tempers and controversy, it was defender Arthur Kiggundu who ultimately decided the contest with a sublime free kick in the 84th minute, sending the home fans into wild celebration. The win keeps Kitara’s hopes of defending their Stanbic Uganda Cup crown alive.
But it wasn’t just the football that made headlines, it was the chaos that unfolded around it.
With few clear-cut chances in the opening half, the match exploded into life after the break. BUL’s Karim Ndugwa rattled the crossbar early in the second half, but the game soon turned into a heated battle rather than a technical showcase.
The turning point came on the hour mark, a reckless shove by BUL’s Jeromy Kirya on Kitara’s Patrick Kaddu sparked a melee between both sides. In the ensuing scuffle, Kitara’s Titus Ssematimba was seen striking Nicholas Mwere, escalating the tension.
Referee Musisi, under mounting pressure, took his time to calm the storm before showing red cards to both Kirya and Ssematimba. The tension remained high and Mwere, already on a yellow was later sent off in stoppage time after a foul on Fred Amaku.
The climax of the controversy came moments after Mwere’s dismissal, BUL defender Walter Ochora, in a fit of frustration, shockingly pushed referee Musisi to the ground, an act many expected would earn a straight red. However, Musisi, to everyone’s surprise, opted not to send him off.
Even after the final whistle, tempers didn’t cool. BUL players and officials swarmed the pitch with head coach Abbey Bogere Kikomeko needing to be physically restrained by his own staff and security stewards.
Despite the drama, Kitara FC marches on, joining KCCA FC in the semifinals. The remaining quarterfinals will see Vipers SC host SC Villa on Monday while Police FC face Kataka FC on Tuesday.
The 51st edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup, co-sponsored by Plascon Uganda, is not just a fight for silverware but also serves as a platform for young players to showcase their skills.
