Summary:
- FUFA reaffirms its strong commitment to eradicating match-fixing since launching an anti-corruption campaign last year. With support from FIFA, they’ve uncovered and dismantled a syndicate operating in South Africa, emphasizing their proactive stance in protecting football integrity.
KAMPALA, (Examiner) – The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) reiterated their steadfast commitment to combating match-fixing in a recent statement to CNN. Since launching their anti-match fixing campaign in March last year, FUFA has actively addressed the issue, as emphasized by Charles Twine, a member and Chief Investigator of the FUFA Investigatory Chamber, and Denis Lukambi, the FUFA Legal Manager.
Twine underscored FUFA’s resolve, stating, “We initiated a campaign against a detrimental vice within the sport. Since then, our approach has been consistent and proactive. We have received significant intelligence from various sources, uncovering numerous instances of match-fixing.” Twine also disclosed that with FIFA’s assistance, FUFA successfully dismantled a syndicate operating out of South Africa.
“We uncovered a syndicate that had infiltrated our sport,” Twine revealed, naming individuals such as Mugisha Andrew and Mutyaba Highfier, alias Chelsea, who were allegedly engaging referees, players, and officials in efforts to manipulate match outcomes. Consequently, several individuals have been provisionally suspended pending ongoing investigations.
Addressing the enforcement of the new Sports Act, Twine clarified that its implementation falls under the jurisdiction of security and judicial authorities, as FUFA’s own judicial bodies are confined to football-related matters.
Lukambi elaborated on FUFA’s investigative capabilities, noting, “We possess the expertise to conduct thorough inquiries. Our process involves meticulous case identification, follow-up investigations, and summoning of implicated parties prior to rendering judgments.” He also highlighted FUFA’s collaboration with Sportradar, a FIFA-affiliated data analytics firm, which has significantly bolstered their intelligence gathering capabilities.
FUFA remains resolute in their campaign against match-fixing, leveraging strategic partnerships and rigorous investigative practices to safeguard the integrity of Ugandan football.
