A storm has erupted in Ugandan football after the Federation of Uganda Football Associations' Investigatory Chamber provisionally suspended three Buhimba United Saints players for 90 days amid allegations of match manipulation.
Among those sidelined is Fred Nkata, the experienced left‑back whose CV includes spells at Gor Mahia, Tusker FC and Bandari FC
Swift action after suspicious Lugazi clash
The suspensions follow an inquiry into the Lugazi FC vs Buhimba United Saints fixture played on 8 November 2025, a match FUFA now believes may have been tampered with for betting purposes.
Citing evidence gathered during its probe, the Investigatory Chamber has opened formal proceedings under Article 43 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code, which deals with the manipulation of matches and competitions.
Acting under Section 78 of the same code, the chamber’s chairperson imposed the 90‑day bans to protect the integrity of the competition while investigators continue to piece together the full picture. All three players — Fred Nkata, Ayebale Moses and Dudu Ramathan — have been notified and the suspensions took effect immediately.
A goal, a Kenyan link, and growing scrutiny
Adding an ironic twist to the saga, the goal at the centre of the investigation was scored by David Bagoole, a former Sofapaka FC forward who once featured in the Kenyan Premier League. That connection has only intensified attention on the case and widened its cross‑border resonance.
FUFA has warned that the conduct under investigation could also breach the criminal provisions of the National Sports Act, and the matter is set to be referred to the Uganda Police for potential criminal inquiry.
Nkata’s pedigree and a family shadow
Nkata’s arrival at Buhimba United Saints in August 2025 from Congolese side AS Otoho was billed as a coup for the club.
The defender was presented as a seasoned, versatile presence, drawing on a career that spans top Kenyan clubs and notable Ugandan sides such as SC Villa and Kira Young FC.
The case carries an added layer of drama because of Nkata’s family ties.
He is the son of Paul Nkata, the coach who led Tusker FC to the Kenyan Premier League title in 2016.
Paul Nkata’s reputation was later tested by match‑fixing allegations in 2019. He was ultimately cleared, though four players from Kakamega Homeboyz received bans from FIFA in connection with that scandal.
What happens next
FUFA’s investigatory move signals a zero‑tolerance stance as authorities seek to stamp out corruption from the game. The provisional suspensions are designed to preserve evidence and prevent interference while the probe continues. With criminal referrals on the table and reputations at stake, the coming weeks promise intense scrutiny, legal wrangling and a test of FUFA’s resolve to protect the sport’s integrity.
