Express FC is set to face sanctions from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) following the shocking ambulance incident involving NEC FC forward Richard Basangwa during their Uganda Premier League clash on Tuesday at Nakivubo Stadium.
The incident happened in the closing stages of the match after Basangwa required urgent medical attention following a collision with Express defender Glory Kisule in the 90th minute.
Basangwa was struck by an elbow in the neck during an aerial challenge and reportedly lost consciousness on the pitch.
Medical personnel quickly rushed onto the field, but the situation turned chaotic when the ambulance stationed at the stadium was found to be unfit for emergency use.
The ambulance had no medical equipment and also had a flat tyre, making it impossible to transport the player to hospital.
Officials were then forced to improvise and rushed Basangwa to Case Clinic in a Land Cruiser for urgent treatment.
The NEC forward was later discharged on Wednesday after receiving medical attention and is said to be recovering steadily.
Express FC have since issued a statement expressing regret over the incident.
“We regret the incident that happened yesterday during our fixture against NEC at home where Basangwa Richard (NEC) collided with Kisule Glory and lost consciousness,” the club said.
“However, he was to be further evacuated and rushed to the hospital unfortunately the ambulance got a flat tyre which is regrettable for the sport.
“As a club, we believe in promoting and protecting the game of football. We regret the incident.
“We thank God that Basangwa is out of danger and recovering steadily.”
Despite the apology, the Red Eagles now risk disciplinary action under FUFA Competitions Rules.
Rule 39(3) clearly states that it is the duty of the home team to arrange medical facilitations during FUFA competition matches.
It further specifies that for first division league (UPL) matches, and by extension top-flight matchday standards, a fully equipped ambulance must be available before and during the match.
Rule 39(4) also places responsibility on appointed match officials to inspect and ensure that the ambulance is present and functional throughout the game.
The rules add that if at any time the need for an ambulance arises and there is no ambulance available, the home team shall be sanctioned in accordance with the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code.
This means Express, as the home team, could be held accountable for failing to provide a fully operational ambulance.
At the same time, questions are also likely to be raised about the match officials who allowed the fixture to proceed despite the apparent lack of proper medical preparedness.
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