In a recent ruling by the University Football League (UFL) Disciplinary Committee, St. Lawrence University was found guilty of fielding ineligible players during their quarter-final matches against Kampala University. The committee, chaired by Bainamani Bernard Bampaire, investigated allegations brought forward by Kampala University regarding the eligibility of certain St. Lawrence University players.
The case, registered under DC/202324/06, highlighted several players from St. Lawrence University allegedly not meeting the UFL eligibility criteria. Despite St. Lawrence University providing documentation asserting the eligibility of the accused players, the committee found discrepancies in the evidence presented.
While some players like Semujju Ivan and Nkonge Saziri were deemed eligible based on the documents provided, others like Mulwana Trevor were found to have conflicting information regarding their age, rendering them ineligible to participate in the UFL matches.
Consequently, the Disciplinary Committee ruled that St. Lawrence University had indeed fielded ineligible players, violating UFL Rule 21(d). As per UFL Rule 24, the committee decided to forfeit both legs of the quarter-finals, awarding Kampala University victories with a score of 3-0 in each leg.
Additionally, fines were imposed on St. Lawrence University and its Sports Tutor, Seguya Peter, amounting to UGX 1,300,000 collectively. The university was fined UGX 300,000, the cost of the petition, and an additional UGX 1,000,000 for fielding ineligible players. Seguya Peter was personally fined UGX 500,000 for his role in the matter.
In response to the ruling, St. Lawrence University lodged an appeal with the UFL Appeals Committee, contesting the decision made by the Disciplinary Committee. However, the Appeals Committee, chaired by Decolas Kiiza, upheld the initial ruling, affirming St. Lawrence University’s culpability in the matter.
As a result of this, Kampala University will face Nkumba University in the semifinals with the first leg happening on Tuesday, March 26.
