Referee Peter Kabogo passed away while officiating a Premier League match between Sport Villa and Ora FC at Wankulukuku Stadium, In a tragic incident that has shaken Ugandan football.
According to witnesses, Kabogo collapsed unexpectedly just minutes before the end of the match.
Medical personnel on-site attempted to revive him, but despite their efforts, he remained unresponsive.
He was then rushed to the hospital by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), expressed deep sadness over Kabogo’s death, offering heartfelt condolences to Kabogo’s family and the wider football community.
“The sport has lost one of its most dedicated young men,” Motsepe stated, underscoring Kabogo’s commitment to the game and the significant role he played in promoting football within Uganda.
This tragedy marks another somber moment in the sport, with other football incidents highlighting the dangers referees can face on the field.
In June 2022, Salvadoran referee José Arnoldo Amaya died after being assaulted by fans and players during a match in El Salvador.
Kabogo’s sudden death has sparked discussions within Uganda’s football community about the importance of immediate medical readiness and support for referees and other officials during games.
His untimely passing has left a lasting impact on those who knew him and has stirred a renewed sense of urgency to prioritize health and safety in the sport.
The second assistant referee, Peter Kabugo, who collapsed on the pitch while officiating a match between SC Villa and UPDF at Wankulukuku, a Kampala suburb has passed on.#MonitorUpdates via @JustGystin pic.twitter.com/ARp2GPyHpE
— Daily Monitor (@DailyMonitor) November 1, 2024