Lango Province secured a place in the FUFA Drum semi-finals after defeating Teso Province in a tense match at Uganda Technical College, Lira on Sunday, 5th April, 2026.
The event was however overshadowed by an incident in which several fans were injured after the collapse of an asbestos-roofed classroom block at the packed venue, according to Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson.
Police estimate that the event attracted a crowd of more than 30,000 spectators from the Lango, Acholi, and Teso sub-regions.
The crowd became bigger, the ticketing officials were overwhelmed and forced to retreat toward verification areas.
Struggling to get a better view of the match, some spectators climbed onto the roof of an old classroom building and nearby trees.
The scene turned tragic in the 79th minute of the game when Lango Province scored against Teso Province. The excitement coincided with the collapse of part of a dilapidated asbestos roof leaving several fans injured.
Okema said that at least six people were rushed to Lira referral hospital with injuries including fractures to limbs and dental damage.
The injured have been identified as Emmanuel Ouni, Dan Okello Dan, Sam Ogwal Sam, all residents of Lira City. Others include Michael Emitu Michael, Eliza Ayaka Eliza, and John Elotu all residents of Soroti District.
Two other unidentified victims were referred to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital for further medical attention.
Emmanuel Okech netted the all-important goal to hand Lango a 1-0 aggregate victory and secure their place in the semi-finals in search for title defence.
