Budiope FC has formally petitioned the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup Technical Organising Committee (TOC), challenging its 2–1 defeat to Bunha FC amid a fresh suspension of all upcoming fixtures over hooliganism.
The petition, signed by Budiope FC administrator Nichlas Kafeero and Vice-Chairperson Andrew Kitimbo, raises concerns over the administration and officiating of the Bukowe Hill Group return fixture played on Sunday, October 4.
Front page of Budiope's Petition
Budiope argues that the match was affected by what it describes as “serious administrative and officiating irregularities” which, according to the club, materially influenced the final result.
One of the club's major complaints concerns the venue. Budiope says the match was initially scheduled for October 3 at Wembley Stadium before being moved to October 4 because the stadium was reportedly being used for a thanksgiving function.
However, the club says the match was subsequently played at Bunha Secondary School without prior official communication.
“Budiope FC's position is that this constituted an irregular and prejudicial change of the designated match venue,” the petition states.
The club also questions the appointment of centre referee Lubega Ayuba, claiming that he had previously been excluded from officiating in the competition following earlier controversies.
According to Budiope, members of the TOC present at the match, including media representative Mwesigwa and Head of Referees Musota, corroborated the club's position regarding the earlier decision.
“Unless the TOC produces a valid subsequent decision formally reversing the earlier position before this match, Budiope FC maintains that Mr. Lubega Ayuba's appointment was irregular,” the petition says.
Budiope further complains about the absence of the appointed Match Assessor, arguing that this deprived the match of independent assessment.
The club's biggest concern, however, is over four decisive incidents during the game.
Budiope claims two of its three goals were disallowed for offside, while it also disputes a penalty awarded to Bunha in the second half.
The club says a Budiope defender had headed the ball during an aerial challenge before colliding with a Bunha player, but the referee awarded a penalty, which Bunha converted.
Budiope also contests the corner from which Bunha scored its winning goal in the 90th minute.
The club says it now has video evidence of all four incidents and wants the TOC to review the footage.
“Budiope FC now has video footage of all four decisive on-field incidents and is ready to submit it for immediate review,” the petition states.
The club is asking the TOC to set aside the recorded result and award the match and points to Budiope.
Alternatively, it wants the result nullified and the match replayed at a neutral venue with a different officiating team and an independent Match Assessor.
The petition comes as the tournament organisers have suspended all upcoming fixtures until further notice, citing growing cases of hooliganism.
In a notice issued Monday, the TOC said the decision followed “cases of hooliganism that have been rampant in the recent matches” and that it would communicate the next course of action in due course.
TOC's Fixture Suspension notice
The suspension follows incidents surrounding recent matches involving Bukono and Bugabula, Busiki and Bukooli Bugiri, and Buzaya and Luuka, further raising concerns about discipline and security as the group stage enters its decisive phase.
Budiope, meanwhile, maintains that the Bunha result should not stand without a full review.
“Allowing the disputed result to stand without an effective sporting remedy would prejudice Budiope FC and undermine confidence in the fairness of the competition,” the club says.
The TOC is yet to announce its decision on the petition.