Unveiling the FUFA Match-Fixing Scandal: Bans, Reforms, and the Fight for Football Integrity in Uganda

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has taken decisive action to safeguard the integrity of football by banning 12 individuals involved in a match-fixing scheme orchestrated by a South African-based betting syndicate. This scandal, which marred the 2023/2024 season, has drawn significant attention to FUFA’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption in football.

What Led to the FUFA Match-Fixing Scandal?

The saga began in June 2023 when FUFA’s Investigatory Chamber issued 90-day suspensions to 13 individuals, including referees, players, and administrators. These preliminary measures were based on alerts indicating manipulation of fixtures in the 2023/24 FUFA Big League and the Finance Trust FUFA Women’s Super League. Further investigations revealed a well-coordinated effort to influence match outcomes, driven by financial incentives from a foreign syndicate.

Details of FUFA’s Investigation

Following months of rigorous investigations under Article 78 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code 2023, FUFA uncovered damning evidence. The Investigatory Chamber, in collaboration with the Adjudicatory Chamber, conducted hearings to determine the extent of each individual’s involvement.

Key findings included:

• Coordination with South African operatives to manipulate match results.
• Recruitment efforts targeting club officials, players, and referees.
• Varying levels of cooperation and culpability among the accused.

List of Individuals and Sanctions

Lifetime Ban:

1. Kaddu Ali – Former referee and alleged mastermind of the scheme.

Long-Term Bans: 2. Geoffrey Sajjabi – 10 years. 3. Ahmed Kongola – 5 years. 4. Epieru Richard – 3 years. 5. Atuheirwe Joyce – 3 years. 6. Nabisera Tausi – 3 years. 7. Okello Simon Peter – 3 years. 8. Nantatya Godwin – 3 years.

Short-Term Bans: 9. Muyaga Khalid – 2 years. 10. Noor Hassan – 1 year. 11. Kiyemba Latif – 1 year. 12. Atuhaire Dorcus – 1 year.

Notably, Ichilla Samuel, initially suspended in June, was cleared of wrongdoing after a lack of further evidence.

Key Figure: Kaddu Ali

Kaddu Ali, a former referee, emerged as the central figure in the scandal. Despite a controversial history, including a 2021 suspension for officiating irregularities, Kaddu continued to manipulate matches. Investigations confirmed his leadership role in recruiting participants for the scheme. His lifetime ban underscores FUFA’s commitment to holding high-profile offenders accountable.

How FUFA Responded

FUFA’s actions were governed by Article 43 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code, which explicitly prohibits activities undermining the integrity of the sport. Each sanction considered:

• Mitigating Factors: Level of cooperation with investigators.
• Aggravating Circumstances: Severity of involvement in the scheme.

By imposing strict penalties, FUFA aims to deter future misconduct and rebuild trust within Ugandan football.

Match-Fixing Scandal: Broader Implications for Ugandan Football

This scandal highlights vulnerabilities in Ugandan football governance. However, FUFA’s decisive actions send a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated. These measures also align with global efforts to combat match-fixing, preserving the fairness and integrity of the sport.

Internal Reforms and Preventative Measures

To prevent future incidents, FUFA has outlined several key steps:

1. Enhanced Monitoring Systems: Strengthening oversight of league matches.
2. Education Programs: Raising awareness among players and officials about the dangers of match-fixing.
3. Stricter Background Checks: Ensuring individuals in football governance meet high ethical standards.

Rebuilding Integrity in Football

The FUFA match-fixing bans are a critical step toward restoring confidence in Ugandan football. By holding individuals accountable and implementing preventative measures, FUFA is paving the way for a cleaner, fairer future in the sport. As fans and stakeholders rally behind these efforts, the hope remains that integrity will once again define the beautiful game in Uganda.