In a heartbreaking incident during match-day seven of the Uganda Premier League, assistant referee Peter Kabugo tragically passed away while officiating SC Villa’s 5-0 win over UPDF at the Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku.
The 27-year-old referee, known for his dedication to Ugandan football, collapsed on the sidelines in the 73rd minute as SC Villa initiated a counter-attack leading to their fifth goal.
Kabugo’s sudden collapse prompted an immediate response from players and officials. Villa’s left-back Simon Semayange, who was near the scene, halted his celebration to signal to center referee George Olemu, who then summoned on-pitch medics.
Despite the swift action and Kabugo being rushed to the nearby Bismillah Hospital in Kitebi, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The young official, hailing from Buikwe District, had built a respected reputation in the Uganda Premier League over three years, having begun his refereeing career with the Kagadi District Football Association. The exact cause of his untimely death remains unknown, though initial reports suggest cardiac arrest as a likely factor.
The tragic news rippled through the stadium, dimming SC Villa’s dominating victory.
Fans and players alike mourned Kabugo’s passing, while the football community remembered him for his commitment to the game. Kabugo’s burial will take place in Buikwe, where friends, family, and colleagues will gather to honor his contributions to Ugandan football.
