SC Villa have petitioned the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), the Uganda Premier League (UPL) and other relevant authorities over alleged poor officiating and security failures in their matches including their match against Kataka FC on October 7.

In a letter signed by the club’s Chief Executive Officer, William, and dated October 13, the Jogoos called for an investigation into the match, citing disputed refereeing decisions, delays during pre-match procedures, underinflated match balls and incidents of violence after the final whistle.

The club also raised concerns about what it described as a recurring pattern of officiating errors in its matches, which it believes cost them valuable points during the 2025/26 campaign.

Villa cited decisions involving assistant referees Immaculate Ongiera and Emmanuel Okudra, who were suspended for three months each by FUFA’s Referees Disciplinary Panel in March 2026 following video reviews of incidents in matches against Express FC and Police FC.

According to the club, one official wrongly flagged offside on a legitimate Villa goal against Express, while another disallowed what Villa considers a valid goal against Police.

The Jogoos also referred to a suspected missed offside decision before Vipers SC’s equaliser against them at Kitende, arguing that the errors affected their title challenge. Villa finished third last season with 61 points, six behind the champions.

However, the club clarified that it was not alleging bias or improper motives against match officials, but was seeking accountability and measures to prevent similar incidents.

Regarding the Kataka fixture, Villa claimed there were more than four incidents in and around the hosts’ penalty area that warranted consideration for penalties.

They asked FUFA’s refereeing authorities to review the disputed incidents, the positioning of the assistant referees and the amount of added time, arguing that insufficient time was allowed for delays and time-wasting.

The club also requested a review of earlier complaints against assistant referee Ashiraf Kateregga, including allegations that he used abusive language towards Villa’s head coach and goalkeeping coach during an away match against URA FC last season.

Villa further questioned the handling of pre-match procedures, claiming that player inspections appeared to have been unnecessarily delayed and that their request for five additional minutes of warm-up was rejected.

The club also asked FUFA to establish whether a match commissioner had been appointed and whether the required pre-match protocols were followed.

On match equipment, Villa alleged that several balls used during the game were underinflated, forcing members of their technical team to inflate them. They also accused the home side and ball crew of delaying the return of balls to the pitch, particularly after Kataka took the lead.

The club wants the relevant authorities to investigate the condition of the match balls and the conduct of the ball crew.

The most serious concerns raised in the petition related to security after the final whistle.

Villa alleged that unidentified individuals, including people believed to be stewards, entered the pitch and assaulted members of their playing staff and technical team.

The club further reported that tear gas was deployed and gunshots were heard during the incidents. It also accused stewards of mistreating its head coach.

Outside the stadium, Villa alleged that a man identified as Osire Juma, whom the club believes to be a FUFA official, sprayed pepper spray into the bus carrying its travelling supporters and assaulted some of them. The club called for an investigation into the allegations and asked that the individual be excluded from its future fixtures, if he is confirmed to be a FUFA official, pending the outcome.

Villa also criticised the condition of the BC5 Sports Complex, where the match was played, claiming the facility lacked a perimeter barrier around the playing surface and had concrete stones positioned close to the pitch, posing a danger to players and supporters.

The Jogoos want FUFA and the relevant security authorities to investigate the reported field invasion, assaults, tear gas deployment and gunshots, as well as disclose the match security officer’s report and the approved security plan.

They have also called for an inspection of the BC5 Sports Complex before it hosts further matches, alongside a review of compliance with the applicable competition and safety regulations.

Among their other requests are a technical review of the Kataka match using video footage, match reports and assessors’ reports; a broader assessment of officiating in their 2025/26 and 2026/27 matches; and the appointment of experienced, neutral officials for key fixtures.

The club has asked FUFA to review available CCTV footage and provide a written response to its complaints.

Villa insist that their petition is aimed at ensuring fairness and consistent application of the Laws of the Game, rather than seeking preferential treatment, and have urged the relevant authorities to address the concerns as a matter of urgency.