BUHWEJU,UGANDA – Drama and controversy overshadowed Sunday’s district football match between Buhweju and Rubirizi at Nsiika Playground after Rubirizi officials raised allegations of ineligible player use and biased officiating.
Tension rose in the second half when Rubirizi officials questioned the eligibility of Buhweju’s goalkeeper, claiming he was not on the official team line-up nor in the approved players’ album submitted for the tournament.
Rubirizi officials further allege that the goalkeeper was not the only player in question. They claim Buhweju fielded more than 17 players who are not natives of the district, including 5 players allowed from outside the district out of the 20 players registered for the Inter-Districts Ankole Tournament. They argue this violates tournament rules on player eligibility and district representation.
According to Rubirizi officials, their attempt to photograph the goalkeeper for verification was blocked by the match center referee, whom they accuse of “clear unprofessionalism in favor of Buhweju District.”
The situation escalated when a Rubirizi official tried to take the goalkeeper’s photo during Buhweju’s celebrations after their second goal. The goalkeeper allegedly reacted violently, leading to a brief commotion on the pitch. Order was restored and the match continued.
Confusion peaked when the referee blew the final whistle 20 minutes before the official 90-minute mark, with Buhweju ahead. The premature ending sparked outrage among Rubirizi players and fans, some of whom attempted to confront the referee. Police at the venue intervened to calm the situation and escort the match officials to safety.
Speaking after the incident, a senior Rubirizi District official rejected the match outcome.
“We cannot accept these results. There was no fair play. We shall file a formal complaint with the responsible authorities for investigation,” the official said.
The match result remains under dispute pending review by tournament organizers.
