VIDEO: Lugazi Owner Kawuulu Slams Referee Kasalirwe After Controversial Defeat to Kitara

Abdul Kawuulu Mwanje, who owns 87 percent shares in Lugazi FC, has criticised referee Lucky Kasalirwe following Lugazi’s 2-1 home defeat to Kitara FC on Saturday.

Patrick Kaddu gave the visitors the lead in the first half before Paul Busolo equalised for Lugazi in the 83rd minute.

Four minutes later, Lugazi’s Alvin Birungi appeared to be clearly fouled by Henry Musisi inside the penalty area, but referee Kasalirwe waved play on, denying the hosts what could have been a decisive spot-kick.

Moments later, in the same passage of play, Lugazi captain Richard Ayiko committed a foul on Kitara’s Agondeze and was shown a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal.

Two minutes after the incident, Kitara capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Muhammad Shaban scoring the winning goal.

Reacting to the officiating, Kawuulu expressed his frustration in a strongly worded statement posted on X.

“Heartless refereeing, Kasalirwe! An absolute double punishment. A clear penalty denied that could have changed the result in our favour. A frustrated, already booked player then loses control from the incident and picks up a second bookable offence.

Game on TV, yet the officiating was still shameless. And these are the people holding our FIFA badges? No wonder we continue to struggle on the international stage.

What’s even more concerning is that this isn’t the first time. Same referee, same opponents, same venue, and similar controversies last season.

Another painful moment was seeing him hurriedly escorted by stewards through the emergency exits to shield him from angry fans. An image that summed up how badly the game was handled. I’m sure this will not be missed in his post-match report.”

Heartless refereeing, Kasalirwe!
An absolute double punishment. A clear penalty denied that could have changed the result in our favour. A frustrated, already booked player then loses control from the incident and picks up a second bookable offence.

Game on TV, yet the… pic.twitter.com/SANvtyvdqk

— Abdul Kawuulu Mwanje (@AbdulKawuulu) April 25, 2026

The club also issued a brief statement expressing their disappointment with the decision

“GUTTED! It’s unfathomable to believe this was ignored despite the referee being in close proximity. Devastating decision. The game of football deserves better!”

The controversy adds to recent criticism of Kasalirwe’s officiating, having also been questioned for failing to issue a second yellow card to Enock Ssebagala during SC Villa’s 1-1 draw with Vipers at Kadiba.

As a FIFA-accredited referee, Kasalirwe is expected to maintain high officiating standards.

Lugazi FC currently sit 13th on the Uganda Premier League table with 20 points, five above the relegation zone.

In their next fixture, Lugazi will travel to face Buhimba United on April 29 in Hoima as they continue their fight for survival with five matches remaining in the season.