Uganda FA Bans Player and 10 Referees for Match-Fixing

The Uganda Football Federation (FUFA) has banned thirteen people following a match-fixing scandal.

Those banned include a player, ten referees, and two administrators. These individuals were involved in fixing matches in the lower divisions of men’s and women’s football in Uganda.

With help from FIFA, FUFA uncovered a match-fixing network based in South Africa. Charles Twine, a member of FUFA’s investigatory team, stated they found clear evidence of match-fixing.

Twine described the situation as a criminal operation linked to corruption, money laundering, and organized crime. He noted that the syndicate often targets lower-tier games because they are not televised.

Uganda has faced multiple match-fixing scandals in recent years. Just last week, FIFA banned five Ugandan league players and gave 10-year suspensions to two top league referees.

Denis Lukambi, FUFA’s legal manager, mentioned that new systems are now in place to detect match manipulation.

Lukambi highlighted that suspicious betting activities often signal match-fixing, with most bets placed outside Uganda.

Despite these issues, Uganda is set to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Kenya and Tanzania.