JIPRA protests USSSA expulsion after controversial semifinal clash with Kitende

After being expelled from this year’s edition of the USSSA Boys’ Football competition—following chaotic scenes that marred the semifinal match between JIPRA and St. Mary’s Kitende SS in Ngora District—JIPRA officials have voiced their dissatisfaction with the decision made by the USSSA.

JIPRA’s games teacher, Ali Mumbwe, expressed frustration over what he described as a rushed and unfair ruling by the USSSA without proper investigation.

“Everyone saw what happened. The opposition began protesting against our fielding of two players who had received two yellow cards. But it’s not stated anywhere in the tournament rules that a player must miss a match after two yellow cards. We follow FIFA and FUFA regulations, which require a suspension after three yellow cards,” said Mumbwe.

He further argued that the accusations of violence were baseless. “None of our players or officials were involved in any violent acts. What happened could have been the reaction of sympathizers who were angered by poor officiating. We had earlier raised concerns about the referees, citing evidence that they were from Wakiso District—the same area as our opponents—but the committee ignored our plea. One referee even officiated two of our matches, which we believe is unfair.”

Mumbwe said the school would escalate the matter. “We are deeply aggrieved by these decisions, and we plan to write to the relevant authorities, including the Minister of Education and Sports through the National Council of Sports. We will present detailed evidence highlighting injustices that often befall teams that haven’t won this tournament.”

JIPRA’s assistant coach, Junior Mukisa, echoed Mumbwe’s sentiments and noted the emotional toll the expulsion had taken on the players.

“Our team emphasizes discipline, and we strongly discourage hooliganism in sports. We don’t even know where the so-called sympathizing fans came from,” said Mukisa.

Meanwhile, the school proprietor, Hajji Swaibu Kitezala, insisted the suspension would not deter his passion for promoting youth football across Uganda.

JIPRA has built a strong footballing reputation in recent years, producing national team players such as Uganda Cranes captain Khalid Aucho, Shafik Twikiriza, U-17 captain Richard Okello, Patrick Kaddu, and several others now playing in the Uganda Premier League.