URN.Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Police Spokesperson, says that the fans are allowed to drink before entering the stadium, adding that security will be deployed to ensure that people abide by the rules.
North Kyoga police have banned the sale of alcoholic drinks during the FUFA drum match between Lango and Ankole provinces scheduled for Saturday this week. In June this year, the Federation of Uganda Football Association-FUFA announced the return of the inter-provincial football competition commonly known as FUFA Drum after two years of interruption by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The last editions of the Fufa drum were characterized by pomp, nyama-choma and lots of drinking from temporary bars set up by beer companies and business owners at the playground. The majority of the fans would drink themselves silly. Now, police in Lango have banned the sale of any form of alcoholic drinks inside the stadium.
Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Police Spokesperson, says that the fans are allowed to drink before entering the stadium, adding that security will be deployed to ensure that people abide by the rules.
However, Vien Obote, the Media Executive Officer for Lango Province explains that the ban on alcoholic drinks is in line with FUFA drum laws and the provincial executives are making arrangements to see that Nile Breweries, the official sponsor for this year’s games sell their products without interfering with the law.
Obote, who says carrying a bottle to the field, is risky for both fans and players, says that people who will be buying or selling alcoholic drinks will not be allowed in the stadium.
Meanwhile, David Obua, the former Uganda Cranes captain and head coach of Lango Province, says that his team is ready for Saturday’s game despite having a little challenge of learning new training tactics within a short period of time.
He said the game is for the people of Lango to enjoy but not to engage in anything political.
On Saturday, July 30th, 2022, Bukedi province will host Kampala province in the morning while Lango province will host Ankole province at Akii- Bua stadium in the afternoon. This year’s competition will involve teams from Busoga, Teso Bukedi, Kampala, Lango, Ankole, Bugisu, Sebei Bunyoro, Acholi, Westnile, Karamoja, Kigezi, Buganda, Tooro, and Rwenzori regions.
