The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has provisionally barred five individuals from all football-related activities as investigations intensify into the suspected manipulation of a Uganda Premier League fixture between Kitara FC and Express FC played on December 21, 2024.
In a statement issued on Thursday, March 12, the Investigatory Chamber of FUFA’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee revealed that initial findings indicate a possible organized attempt to influence the outcome of the match for betting gains.
The probe was triggered by a betting integrity alert from FIFA which flagged unusual wagering patterns surrounding the fixture.
The report suggested that someone may have predetermined the match, with indications that Express would lose while conceding at least five goals.
Preliminary investigations by FUFA allege that former Uganda international Mike Mutyaba worked together with Ivan Katende in orchestrating the suspected plot. Katende has previously appeared in match-fixing inquiries within Ugandan football.
Authorities believe the pair collaborated with Express FC chief executive officer Ashraf Miiro in a plan aimed at manipulating the contest.
Update on Investigation into Match Manipulation-Kitara FC vs Express FC Played On 21st December 2024 pic.twitter.com/erlXqlVakf
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) March 12, 2026
Further findings from the investigation indicate that betting accounts believed to be associated with Katende reportedly collected millions from bets placed on the match through a Tanzanian betting firm. However, the betting company is said to have withheld the payout after identifying suspicious activity linked to the wagers.
Investigators also claim that two Express players, goalkeeper Emmanuel Kalyowa and Ashraf Mbazira, were allegedly approached to execute the plan during the game.
“Ugandan betting accounts linked to Katende won millions through bets placed on the match at a Tanzanian betting company, which blocked payment after detecting fraud. The preliminary investigations have so far indicated the involvement of players, goalkeeper Kalyowa Emmanuel and Mbazira Ashraf, who were recruited by Mutyaba to execute the fix on the field of play. Mutyaba assumed technical matters on match day, taking advantage of head coach Kaddu Badru’s absence,” the report further states.
FUFA confirmed that Uganda Police’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) has been brought on board to assist with the ongoing inquiry.
As the investigation continues, the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee’s Investigatory Chamber has ordered the provisional suspension of all five individuals pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings.
