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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The organizers of the Masaza Cup tournament will deploy atleast 200 stewards in each county to curb hooliganism.
Robert Sserwanga, Buganda Kingdom Minister of Sports, youth, and arts says this will boost safety and security which is a key component of the tournament, which commenced last Saturday.
In the opening match, Buluuli defeated defending champions Bulemeezi 1-0 at the Kosovo playground in Kasana, Luweero.
The deployment follows a call from the Katikiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, who condemned the increasing cases of discipline at the Masaza Cup and urged participants to uphold high standards to preserve the tournament’s reputation.
The Masaza Cup, Buganda Kingdom’s flagship sports event, has long struggled with hooliganism and unruly fans who often invade the pitch whenever they protest against match officials’ decisions.
Last year, football fans were barred from accessing Kasana playground as Bulemeezi and Butambala Counties clashed after Bulemeezi fans were faulted for having beaten 11 Buddu fans and damaging 13 vehicles in the previous games.
Some fans have occasionally been accused of trying to access stadium forces without paying.
Before this year’s opening match, police in Luwero District issued a stern warning to Masaza cup fans against hooliganism and carrying dangerous items ahead of the first game. It is against this background that the tournament organizers held a safety and security workshop at Mutesa II stadium.
According to Robert Sserwanga, the number of trained stewards, equipped with both basic and advanced skills in handling protocol, spectators, and other match attendees, has now risen to 100.
The organizers plan to continue visiting different counties to identify and train individuals, aiming to reach the target of 200 stewards in each county. The stewards will help maintain order on the fields before, during, and after matches.
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