Uganda. Osire, serving as the first assistant referee in the match held at St. Mary’s Stadium, ruled out a goal for Kitara FC in the first minute of additional time, citing an offside. However, subsequent video footage revealed that none of the Kitara FC players were in an offside position, leading to widespread protests from fans.
Critics have accused Osire of bias and poor officiating, with some alleging that he was influenced by Vipers SC, often derogatively referred to as “Cheatende” by opposing fans. The controversy has reignited concerns about the integrity of refereeing in Ugandan football and its impact on the popularity of the Uganda Premier League.
As a result of his actions, FUFA has suspended Osire from officiating football at all levels for a period of six months. Additionally, Osire has been referred to the Investigatory Chamber of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Committee for further investigation due to his repeated pattern of behavior.
This is not the first time FUFA has taken action against match officials for controversial decisions. In 2018, three officials were banned for allowing an offside goal during a match between Vipers SC and Express FC. The severity of the penalties reflects FUFA’s commitment to upholding fair play and maintaining the integrity of Ugandan football.
Earlier this year, FUFA ordered the replay of a Stanbic Uganda Cup match between BUL FC and SC Villa following a disputed goal. The decision underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in football officiating, ensuring that justice is served for all teams involved.
The suspension of assistant referee Juma Osire serves as a reminder of the importance of fair and unbiased officiating in football. FUFA’s swift action demonstrates its commitment to upholding the integrity of the game and addressing concerns raised by players, coaches, and fans. Moving forward, efforts must be made to improve refereeing standards and ensure that controversial decisions are kept to a minimum, preserving the integrity and credibility of Ugandan football.
