Former Gor Mahia defender among players suspended over match-fixing allegations

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Investigatory Chamber has provisionally suspended three Buhimba United Saints FC players for 90 days over their alleged involvement in the manipulation of a football match, with former Gor Mahia, Tusker FC and Bandari FC left-back Fred Nkata among those sanctioned.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

The suspension follows investigations into the Lugazi FC vs Buhimba United Saints match played on Saturday, 8 November 2025, which FUFA suspects was allegedly manipulated for betting purposes.

Information gathered so far indicates potential involvement of the players, prompting the opening of formal proceedings for a possible breach of Article 43 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code, which relates to the manipulation of football matches or competitions.

Nkata, who joined Buhimba United Saints in August 2025 from Congolese side AS Otoho, was unveiled by the club as an experienced and versatile defender, drawing on a career that has included stints at Gor Mahia, Tusker FC and Bandari FC in the FKF Premier League, as well as SC Villa and Kira Young FC in Uganda.

The other players provisionally suspended are Ayebale Moses and Dudu Ramathan. Acting under Section 78 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code, the Chairperson of the Investigatory Chamber imposed the suspensions to safeguard the integrity of the competition while investigations continue.

Shabana's improved measures to heighten security ahead of Gor Mahia clash

FUFA added that the conduct under investigation may also constitute a violation of the criminal provisions of the National Sports Act, with the matter set to be reported to the Uganda Police.

All three players have been personally notified of the decision, with the suspensions taking immediate effect.

Coincidentally, the goal at the centre of the investigation was scored by David Bagoole, a former Sofapaka FC attacker who previously featured in the Kenyan Premier League, adding another Kenyan link to the match under scrutiny.

Harambee Stars defender reveals how Gen Z protests cost him Ksh4 million-a-month salary

Nkata’s case also carries a notable family dimension. He is the son of former Tusker FC, Bandari FC and Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Paul Nkata, who won the Kenyan Premier League title with Tusker FC in 2016.

However, Paul Nkata’s legacy was later clouded when he was drawn into match-fixing allegations in 2019. Although he was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing, four Kakamega Homeboyz players were subsequently handed bans by FIFA in relation to the same allegations.

Former AFC Leopards goalkeeper retires at 28