Money Puts Express FC, Kabenge In Spotlight Again

Just when Ugandan soccer followers were celebrating Coach Mulitin Sredojevic ‘Micho’ and his troops’ Chan qualifiers heroics in the Dar es Salam last weekend, an unfortunate dark cloud has engulfed the local football scene; the money and supremacy war in Express Football club.

Kavuma Kabenge (L) and Fred Muwema
Kavuma Kabenge (L) and Fred Muwema

However, the board of directors of Uganda’s oldest football club Express FC has resorted to infighting over power and cash. Various sects are involved in this battle and give their versions for their resolve. But the question is, where is this all ending?

The Wankulukuku based club has suspended Kavuma Kabenge from their board of directors for what the club describes as bringing its name to disrepute, lack of accountability and causing disharmony.

“The suspension takes effect immediately and shall remain in force until the next shareholders meeting is convened to ratify the suspension and move outright dismissal,” reads a letter landed on by Pepper Sport with Express Football Club letter head.

SuperSport Money

The Express board argues that city lawyer Julius Kavuma Kabenge who was their club representative and also chairman of USLL never disclosed how much money the Red Eagles earned in the 2011-12 Uganda Super league when they were crowned champions after a 16- year draught.

Kabenge is also accused of failing to disclose information regarding benefits from contractual arrangements with the South African pay-tv giants and other deals like Ecobank and Uganda Breweries.

Other issues raised against Kabenge include organizing international friendlies without authorization of the club and the respective national federations coupled with him being arrogant, big headed and showing other directors and shareholders an indifferent attitude whenever quizzed.

Kabenge Fires back

The learned man is however unfazed by the suspension from the already two-faced that had two teams playing in parallel leagues last season.

From is point of view, the Express board has no moral authority over the lawyer, ““Please note that I am not your member and as such your purported suspension has no meaning.” Read his strike-back also with an Express FC letter head.

On the dime wars, Kabenge asserts, “can I source for money, then go into hiding? That can’t happen because the friendlies helped boost players’ welfare in a financially struggling club.”

Further Disintegration

Many fans and our desk here are worried were the Red Eagles a mainstay in our local soccer scene is headed.

Similarly, Education and Sports Minister Jessica Alupo’s efforts to unite clubs that were torn between two leagues last season are also set to be dented if Kabenge’s vow to disengage from Express FC and keep his faction materializes.

“They have got their own association, I’ve got mine too. However much we (USL and FSL factions) tried to unite, if it is not working its best we disengage now,” Kabenge told Pepper Sport in an exclusive telephone interview.

 

 

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