By Brian Bariyo Tumuramye
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has suspended Luzira Prisons Playground from hosting Uganda Premier League (UPL) matches.
The playground, which is home to Maroons FC, joins Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku which was banned last week., after FIFA suspended it on Thursday.
Stadiums have become an issue in the Uganda Premier League and the situation is only worsening by the day; Wankulukuku, Namboole and Luzira have all been affected due to the heavy rains in the past months
“The Secretariat is in receipt of two letters from the FUFA Licensing Committee in regard to the status of Luzira Prisons Grounds,” reads part of the statement from the Uganda Premier League Secretariat.
The statement adds that; “The Licensing Committee has re-inspected Luzira Prisons grounds and noted that the field of play has deteriorated due to overuse and heavy rains. The ground will not be able to host SUPL matches with immediate effect until the ground is restored to the recommended playing standards.”
This means that Maroons FC join an ever increasing list of clubs that have to seek alternative playgrounds.
In the same vein, BUL FC has been granted leeway to host their games at Bugembe stadiums. The side has been hosting games at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru which now remains with no particular team to host after Busoga United also moved to The Mighty Arena and BUL FC have been given the go ahead to host their games at Bugembe Stadium in Jinja.
“ Bugembe Stadium-Jinja was confirmed to meet the minimum requirements to host SUPL matches basing on the last inspection of the FUFA Licensing Committee. Accordingly, BUL FC has been cleared to host their home games at Bugembe Stadium-Jinja with immediate effect,” the Statement from the UPL Secretariat notes.
