David GOMBE
Referees are set to abscond from officiating in the prestigious Buganda Masaza Cup tournament, Swift Sports Uganda understands.
This website understands that referees are threatening to boycott the tournament due to the ongoing hooliganism.
The latest development comes after the ugly scenes that have happened in the Masaza Cup games with the most recent coming in the contest between Kyaddondo and Buddu that ended prematurely on Sunday.
Kyaddondo fans invaded the pitch after Referee Henry Musisi had awarded Buddu a penalty in the closing stages of the game.
The match between the two sides is fasting turning into a rivalry and several Buddu fans got injured during the ugly scenes that happened off the pitch.
It is believed that match officials led by Musisi had their equipment confiscated by unknown people.
Another referee Vincent Kavuma also survived being beaten by goons in the Mawogola and Buwekula game that was played on 18th August.
It is believed that angry Mawogola fans wanted to beat the match officials for failing to award a penalty kick and one ended up throwing a stone at Buwekula technical director Ibrahim Kirya. The game was abandoned following the ugly scenes.
Last week, the Minister for Youth, Sports and Arts in Buganda Kingdom Robert Sserwanga condemned the acts of violence towards match officials and players.
Meanwhile, the FUFA Referees Standing Committee led by Brian Miiro Nsubuga is yet to release a statement on the ongoing incidents.
The ugly incidents have however made one of the most inflated competitions in the country turn into one of the worst and a quick solution is needed to curb hooliganism in the event.
