Category: Capacity Building

FUFA has on Wednesday confirmed 20 schools that will take part in the inaugural CAF African Schools Programme.

The Programme has a CAF African Schools Championship that was launched earlier this year with 41 Member Associations taking part.

The National Championship in Uganda will be staged between 15th -24th July at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha briefed the media about the intentions of the tournament indicating it will help in improving grassroots football.

“CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe understands the importance of Grassroot football and he thought it wise through the Motsepe Foundation to have this Programme spreading across its Member Associations,” he started.

“Grassroot football especially in Africa is within schools. Therefore, this intervention will help to create an organized platform for players at a young age.”

The 20 Schools selected include;

Boys
St. Mary’s Boarding SS, Kitende
Buddo SS
Standard High School- Zzana
Teso College Aloet
Amus College
Kibuli SS
Jinja SS
Mukono Kings High School
Dynamic SS
Royal Giant School

Girls
Kawempe Muslim SS
Uganda Martyrs High School- Lubaga
Rines SS
Jinja SS
Wakiso Hill SS
King of Kings, Fort Portal
Tagy High School
Gadhafi Integrated Academy
Olila High School
Royal College Namugongo

According to FUFA Deputy CEO-Football, Decolas Kiiza, selection of the aforementioned schools was based on their performance in recent schools Championships organised by USSSA.

“FUFA based on performance of schools in recent USSSA Games to come up with the final list. St. Henry’s College Kitovu withdrew because of preparation for their centurion celebrations and were replaced by Mukono Kings High School.”

Joseph Opio, an official from department of Physical education at the Ministry of Education and Sports who also was also part of the press briefing lauded FUFA and CAF for this Championship and indicated this is a right step in nurturing talents.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports, I would like to extend sincere appreciation to both FUFA and CAF for this initiative. We are hopeful that this Championship will be a bedrock for future stars. Exposing players to such competitions at a young age helps them to become better.” He said.

About the tournament
Dates
Boys Category
Reporting Date – 15th July 2022
Competition Dates -16th -19th

Girls
Reporting Date -20th July 2022
Competition Dates – 21st -24th July 2022

Each School is allocated 20 slots, covering 17 players and 3 officials.

However, a school can have a maximum of 5 officials and minimum of 15 players.

Officials:

1. Team Manager
2. Head Coach
3. Safe Guarding officer
4. Assistant Coach (Student)
5. Journalist (Student)

Players must be between 12-15 years (Born between 1st Jan 2008 – 31st December 2011)

Only coaches with a minimum of CAF D will be allowed on the technical bench.

Playing format

Teams will play using half of the pitch in 8-Aside format.

Games will have two halves, each lasting 20 minutes with a 10-minute interval.

Teams will have opportunity to make unlimited substitutions.

10 teams divided into two groups of 5 each.

The top team in each group after a round robin format will advance to the final.

The Champions both in the Boys and Girls category will represent Uganda at the Zonal (CECAFA) African Schools Championship that will be hosted by Uganda in December.

The winners of the Zonal Qualifiers will then advance to the CAF African Schools Championship that will take place in March next year.

It should be noted that CAF President Motsepe launched the CAF African Schools Football Programme in Maputo, Mozambique earlier this year.

According to Motsepe, Schools football is at the heart of the long-term development and growth of African football.

The CAF African Schools Football Programme is a partnership involving CAF, African Governments, and Football Associations from 41 participating countries.

Besides offering boys and girls the platform to compete, the Programme also involves provision of education, coaching, football and skills development courses.

The winning schools will use the prize money to provide football infrastructure, equipment and educational development courses at these schools.

The participating schools will also benefit from this capacity building and training program with teachers getting selected to enrol in CAF coaching programmes.

The other objective of the Programme is on the social impact of football in the communities and countries where the schools are – using the game to change the face of Africa.

Leadership Development

Children from each participating school will deputize their teachers in administrative roles within the team set-up to learn first-hand the qualities required to lead a winning team.

Young Reporter Programme

Students will be selected to learn media related skills like journalism and TV/Radio commentary.

Young Referee Programme:

Children will be trained on how to interpret the Laws of Football and they will be given opportunities to officiate matches during the championship.

Coaches to be issued with 3 year operational License by FUFA.

Twenty five (25) coaches at CAF A level will complete the mandatory 24 hour refresher course on Monday 11th, July 2022 at Philip Omondi Stadium Lugogo.

The coaches who will later be issued with a 3 year coaching license by FUFA started the refresher course on Friday at MUBS Nakawa before resuming today after a one day break for Eid Adhua Celebrations.

The three day course has seen coaches undergo 8 hours per day under the guidance of CAF Instructors Jackson Nyiima, Livingstone Kyambadde and Mujib Kasule.

On Monday, the coaches will have practical sessions starting Midday at Philip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

What FUFA Football Development Director Ali Mwebe says

I am delighted that FUFA together with Uganda Football Coaches Association are holding a series of refresher courses for CAF Coaching Diploma holders. We have started with Diploma A Coaches.

This is inline with CAF Coaching Convention to which FUFA is a full member after fulfilling the mandatory 8 key criteria and holding the first CAF B Diploma course between March and May 2022.

These refresher courses are aimed at keeping coaches up-to-date and stimulating development as per CAF Coaching Convention).

At the end of the refresher course, each individual will be registered in the FUFA online system under the new Coaching Database using FIFA Connect System.

The Coaches will be issued a 3 year Coaching License.

At the 26th FUFA EXCO meeting, it was decided that only coaches issued with this 3 year license shall be eligible for FUFA Bench Permit in all FUFA competitions.

Fresh graduates from recently completed or currently running CAF Diploma courses shall automatically be eligible for a 3 year license as well that will be issued upon their successful application process.

Attendees
Charles Ayiekoh Lukula
Morley Byekwaso
Umaru Ssenoga
Simon Kirumira
Alex Isabirye
Frank Anyau
George Simwogerere
Jackson Mayanja
Abdallah Mubiru
Hadijah Namuyanja
Moses Basena
Sam Timbe
Anjelo Lonyesi
Christine Wanyana
Frank Kisitu Ssebaggala
Francis Mugerwa
Deo Sserwadda
Richard Wasswa
Douglas Bamweyana
Joseph Mutyaba
Peter Onen
Sam Ssimbwa
Mike Mutebi
Majidah Nantanda

Former Uganda Cranes midfielder Patrick Ochan is among coaches that have enrolled for CAF C Coaching course currently ongoing at Town View Hotel in Kabale town.

The course organized by Ham Sports Agency officially got underway on Monday attracting a total of 30 coaches and will run up to 4th August.

This is the first ever CAF C Coaching Course to be organised in Western Region. The same is currently ongoing in Kampala region.

CAF Coaching Instructor Livingstone Kyambadde is the tutor at the month-long course with FUFA Human Resource and Capacity Building Manager Jackson Nyiima who is also an instructor expected to offer guidance on how to make reports and presentations later on.

Besides Ochan, former Mbarara City midfielder who recently retired, Zaidi Byekwaso has also enrolled for this course. The other notable name is Geoffrey Stephen Pritchard the former coach of Kigezi HomeBoyz FC.

Frank Ankunzire, a FUFA Executive Committee Member representing Western Region lauded FUFA for extending such courses to the region and believes this is a giant step in developing football.

“As Western Region, we are grateful to FUFA for accepting our request of having this coaching course here. I believe this is an opportunity to equip coaches in the region with modern coaching knowledge that will be passed on to the players. In the long run, this will give us good players thus developing football in this region.” He said.

Ankuzire also highlighted the dire need for financial support to the region in terms of capacity building.

“We would like to have these courses coming frequently but because of financial constraints, the region ends up foregoing them. I ask Government to offer support to us because many youth would be employed if they become coaches.” Added Ankunzire.

The course has attracted three coaches from South Sudan. These include Lillian Bataka, Hakin Rezik Alphaza and Gabriel Samuel.

Participants

1. Emmanuek Okiror Keita
2. Innocent Turyasingura
3. Stephen Geoffrey Pritchard
4. Fred Alinaitwe
5. Denis Brian Arinaitwe
6. Denis Tushabe
7. Richard Bwambale
8. Lillian Bakata
9. Brian Ollama
10. Zaidi Byekwaso
11. Juma Bukalamuli
12. Moses Mutabazi
13. Antelo Namara
14. Elisha Richard Madanda
15. Isaac Mawanda
16. Jessy Lukoki
17. Maxima Ainomugisha Maxima
18. Issa Ssempijja
19. Friday Noah
20. Ismael Igga
21. Sande Ahmed
22. Gabriel Samuel
23. Hakim Rezik Alphaza
24. Clifford Rukanga
25. George William Ssengabi
26. Dennis Ayeet
27. Moses Kamuntu Muganga
28. Patrick Ochan
29. Obed Tugume
30. Justus Arinaitwe

Grassroot football is a key component in the development of the game because it involves mass participation and nurturing of talents. It is therefore important to have football development right from the smallest sphere in order to realize professionalism.

It is upon this background that FUFA Executive Committee Member Rogers Mulindwa thought it wise to return to Luwero, his cradle place and help in promoting and developing football.

FUFA 1st Vice President, Justus Mugisha was the guest of honour at the one day retreat held at Mulindwa’s residence in Wakiso with Luwero District Football Association Executive Committee attending.

Mugisha lauded Luwero DFA for the efforts made towards developing grassroot football, indicating this is the way to go.

“I thank Rogers Mulindwa who has seen it fit to invite FUFA and look at the challenges that the DFA is facing. I have been privy to the resolutions made and also the strategic plan made to develop football in the region,” he stated.

“We have also agreed with them that if they find it fit to be the first DFA to own a football pitch and in my capacity, I have pledged UGX 5M whenever they get land available to set up such a facility.” Mugisha added.

Mulindwa indicated it was necessary to have this retreat and know the challenges that the DFA is facing.

“As a leader you have go keep your ear to the ground and for sometime I have been getting reports and I decided to invite the football leaders in Luwero to find solutions to some biting challenges. Some of them were administrative, others are to with governance and financial management and I am delighted that we have covered a lot and very optimistic Luwero will get better.” He indicated.

Facilitators included Rogers Byamukama, Samuel Mpiima (both FUFA EXCO Members).

Others were Julian Namuganga, FUFA Finance Director, Wilberforce Ssemwogerere (Buganda Region Development Officer) and Sadam Bulega (FUFA Marketing Officer) among others.

UEFA Head of International Relations, Eva Pasquier is convinced that pitch maintenance equipment received by FUFA as part of the UEFA Assist programme will be put to proper use to improve football infrastructure in Uganda.

Pasquier who is in Uganda for the League Development Programme with FUFA and the Uganda Premier League clubs, made an official visit to FUFA Complex on Wednesday where she inspected the equipment that was donated by the European soccer governing body(UEFA) through the UEFA Assist programme.

Eva officially launched the second phase of the project which includes the acquisition of specialized pitch maintenance equipment for both the grass and artificial turf surfaces.

She flagged off the ceremony at Kadiba accompanied by FUFA CEO Edgar Watson in the presence of FUFA Football Development Director Ali Mwebe and FUFA Projects Manager Sumaya Kiwanuka Hood.

Mwebe explained that different equipment (8 in total) received aim at improving the state of football pitches in Uganda.

The list of equipment;
CASEIH Multi-functional Tractor
Ditchwitch C16X Trencher
Tractor driven Solid tine Aerator
AFT Sand bander Machine
Dennis Premier G860
Ride-on Mower 2
Wheel-to-Wheel Line Marker
Spring Tine brush for artificial and Grass pitches.

Before flagging off the equipment by igniting the tractor, Eva Pasquier said; ‘I am impressed that all the equipment is here in FUFA custody. I have no doubt that it will be put to proper use and support the clubs to make a positive impact on football pitches in Uganda.’

Edgar Watson expressed his gratitude to UEFA for the continued cooperation.

‘We are so grateful to UEFA for this special assistance. On our journey to be the Number one football Nation in Africa on and off the field, we need to focus on football development. The acquisition of pitch maintenance equipment is a huge effort to develop football on the pitch. Quality football at grassroots and elite levels require quality football pitches.’

As a way forward, FUFA and UEFA have discussed and agreed to organize a refresher course for grounds staff during the domestic football off season. They will build on what they learnt in 2019, the first ever capacity building course for Grounds Managers for clubs when 39 participants were trained in a 3 days course conducted by UEFA Expert Philip Fifield from England.

Fifield also conducted a nationwide specialized assessment of pitches used by Uganda Premier League Clubs before the training.

Mwebe has encouraged clubs to approach FUFA through the Projects Office to apply for use of the equipment on their pitch renovation and repair.

The process shall involve technical visits by FUFA team to assess the need before recommending appropriate equipment from the stock pile that will be deployed for improvement works.

About FUFA with the UEFA Assist programme

• FUFA applied for the programme in 2019 which has since followed with many great benefits to football in Uganda.
• Africa FAs General Secretaries workshop in Ethiopia
• FUFA Exco Retreat at Serena Hotel, Kigo
• Coaching course for women football coaches in Uganda
• FUFA secured the first ever Capacity building Course which led to training of 39 ground staff.
• Acquired specialized equipment support for improving infrastructure (pitches)
• Secured a League Development Programme for Uganda Premier League clubs- 5 day course ongoing at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.

The UEFA Assist offers a series of education and knowledge-sharing programmes that focus on two areas of development: operations and football.

The FUFA-UEFA Assist League Development Programme continues to help Uganda Premier League Clubs in realizing professionalism.

The five-day workshop currently ongoing at Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala entered day three on Wednesday with emphasis put on two salient topics. These included matchday operations and income generation.

UEFA League Development experts Pedro Correia and Kenneth Macleod lectured club officials on what they ought to do in as far as the aforementioned areas are concerned.

In the first session, Correia put emphasis on matchday operations with items such as ticketing, protocol, TV Media operations, venue management, commercial and marketing operations among others.

Correia indicated that football ought to be sold as an experience rather than a mere game.

“Clubs must embrace the idea of looking at football beyond the action on pitch but rather a complete package that serves as an experience to a fan. A customer (fan) must be in constant contact with his/her club and treated in the best way possible,” he stated.

The UEFA expert also discussed emergencies during matchdays and how clubs can mitigate them when they arise.

The afternoon session had Macleod discussing ways through which clubs can generate income to become self reliant.

He stated that clubs must look at Matchday activities, Sponsorships, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Fans as the four ways to earn revenue.

The workshop will continue on Thursday with two topics namely; operational planning, restitution and power sessions before climaxing on Friday.

The CAF B Diploma Coaching Course that has been going on at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru successfully came to a climax on Wednesday.

24 coaches undertook the process, studying for a total of 160 hours that came in intervals over the last two months.

The course started on 28th March and ended on 17th May 2022 with FUFA 2nd Vice President, Darius Mugoye Kitibwa awarding certificates of participation to all the attendees in a closing ceremony.

The coaches went through theory sessions, practical, internship, examination, assessment, mandatory training and 16 days of internship and now await results that will be released by CAF later.

Top Coaching instructors Mujib Kasule, Livingstone Kyambadde and Jackson Nyiima handled the course while specialist instructors in other areas of the course were also invited for various modules.

Breakdown of the module

Module 1: 28th March- 1st April 2022

Module 2: 9th – 14th April 2022

Internship period: 16 days-coaches are required to work with clubs implementing what has been taught to them.

Module 3: 1st -6th May 2022

Module 4 and Examinations: 13th -18th May 2022.

The course covered the following areas;

-Football knowledge
-Leadership and management
-Sports science and medical Teaching methods
-Media relations
-Refereeing

The 24 participants

Steven Bengo, Felix Ssekabuuza Kawooya, Abdulsamadu Daba Musafiri, Godfrey Wasswa, Danny Kirumira, Allan Kivewala Kabonge, Bashir Mutyaba, Godfrey Magoba, Baker Kasule, David Mutono, Richard Luyima, David Katalemwa, Sharon Kizza, Fred Muhumuza, Kenneth Nkojo, Simon Peter Ojok, Charles Samuel Nsanziiro, Abubakari Tabula, Hassan Zungu, Eric Ndifuna, Abdallah Loi Umar, Bilal Felix Komoyangi, Moses Zakaria Ngor, Muhamadi Senfuma

Two officials from FIFA are in the country to oversee the FIFA Women Club Licensing workshop slated for Thursday, 19th May 2022 at Imperial Royale Hotel.

Andres Portabella, the FIFA Club Licensing Consultant and Bruno Van Hellemont, the FIFA Professionalisation Manager (Women Football Division) arrived in Uganda on Sunday.

The two were welcomed to FUFA Complex by FUFA 3rd Vice President, Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson alongside FUFA Deputy CEO-Football, Decolas Kiiza, FUFA Executive Committee Member Rogers Mugisha and FUFA Club Licensing Manager, Ivan Kintu Bayige.

FUFA Professional Leagues Manager, Shawn Mubiru and FUFA Competitions Director, Aisha Nalule were also present.

The project is about Women Club Licencing in Uganda and it is built on the following specific goals;

1.  Advance the professionalisation of the women’s game.

2.  Accelerate the development of the game at all levels.

3.  Build on the existing Senior league.

4.  Help the Member Association achieve its strategic plans to be specific the FUFA Women Football Strategy.

FUFA held a successful Judicial Bodies Retreat that was convened at the A’lure Suites and Hotel in Mutundwe on Friday aimed at creating a vibrant and robust judicial system meant to promote, develop as well as protecting the game of football in the country against vices.

While presiding over the one day retreat, FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim emphasized the importance of having the various judicial bodies working closely together to deliver fair, free and fast justice to the football stakeholders.

‘As FUFA we need to build a very strong and robust judicial team that is going to compose of members and some secretariat staff. The secretariat personnel ought to be competent enough to support members who are volunteers coming from other world(s) including coming from the legal fraternity/background to try and help us take decisions.  At the moment FUFA is employing two full time lawyers who are supporting the judicial bodies from a secretariat point of view; to collect the evidence, to make the communications, to make sure the rules are interpreted accordingly among others but then we rely on the judicial bodies to interpret, apply and take judicial decisions on behalf of FUFA.’ the president remarked.

He further highlighted on the creation of the position of the chairperson of the FUFA Judicial commission by the FUFA Executive as according to the FUFA Code.

‘As FUFA, the executive we want the independence of these judicial bodies to be emphasized the decisions are taken and that is why in our code we have created the position of the chairperson of the judicial commission who is supposed to supervise the implementation of the judicial processes and ensure that there is proper review, proper decision making in accordance. Somebody who is going to be supervising and guiding the other judicial components that make the entire judicial commission of FUFA.’ He stated.

Dr. Azar Taib who is the chairperson for Judicial Bodies Commission implored the participants to allow and support the different bodies charged with responsibility to work.

“This is a voluntary responsibility and I trust that the members in this room are willing to work. Let us allow these committees to work. We can always have discussions around in case of challenges and grievances and I commit to always be around to see how we navigate. Secondly, I suggest that the secretariat should work around having us taking stock of some of these issues that come up. Members of these committees probably chairpersons (and maybe in the presence of other members) can always be meeting probably every three months to have quarterly discussions and take stock of what is happening and if need be, be reporting to the Executive on what is happening.”  Dr. Azar stated.

The retreat that was coordinated by FUFA legal Manager Denis Lukambi and legal officer Sheba Ampaire discussed a range of topics ranging from Ethics and Disciplinary , Vices threatening football among others after every which the participants contributed to discussions. 

FUFA Club Licensing is a tool for both the development and benchmarking of professional football clubs. Under the Club Licensing System clubs ought to comply with certain criteria to participate in FUFA sanctioned competitions.

The exercise makes sure that clubs comply with the criteria before they are issued with licenses to play at the start of every season.

Some of the key areas in Club Licensing include; Sporting, Finance, Administration and Personnel, Structure and Legal plus Infrastructure

With the 2021/22 season coming to an end, FUFA thought it wise to prepare Clubs in the StarTimes Premier League early enough for next season.

FUFA and the Clubs met on Thursday to deliberate on a number of areas that need emphasis in the Licensing exercise and the FUFA Clubs Pro Agenda.

Rogers Mulindwa, the FUFA Club Licensing Committee Chairman who is also a member of the FUFA EXCO highlighted the importance of the meeting and why it was important to have the engagement early enough.

“We chose to have an early engagement with clubs to prepare them for next season. This is different from the previous years where we wait for the season to end and then start engaging clubs. We have taken them through a number of issues as per the resolutions of the FUFA EXCO which sat recently for instance change of names of clubs,” he started before adding. “We have also talked about issues like marketing. How can clubs make money, we need more sponsors into our league and clubs must be part of this process.”

Inorder to make strides, Mulindwa believes both the Club Licensing and FUFA Clubs Pro Agenda must be fulfilled to the dot if professionalism is to be attained.

“The Club Pro Agenda is a tool that helps us to set standards and if we need to make strides, clubs must oblige. The time of being soft on some clubs is behind us. We now want to avoid the scenario of having clubs that fail even on the basic so that we move in the same direction.” He added.

KCCA FC CEO, Anisha Muhoozi who attended the meeting lauded FUFA for making early preparations and believes this will help to avoid some of the challenges.

“The discussion we held has been fruitful. These are some of the things FUFA has been preaching to us everywhere. The strategy is very good and this time round the Federation wants clubs to prepare quite early so that we avoid scenarios of having the League kickoff delayed or starting without some teams.” She said.

Joel Aita, the Arua Hill SC Chairman asserted that this is the only way clubs will achieve professionalism and therefore must fullfil the standards.

“This is a very important process for every club because for you to be professional, you must have all those systems in place. Some may look difficult to achieve but you have to start. If you look elsewhere, the same exercise has been followed and helped their leagues to improve.” Aita stated.

The same arrangement was extended to the teams in the StarTimes FUFA Big League that are on the verge of earning promotion next season.

Officials from Kyetume FC, Maroons FC, Blacks Power FC and Kataka FC met with FUFA later in the day.

A similar workshop has been scheduled for clubs playing in the FUFA Women Super League and this will take place on Friday, 23rd April 2022 at FUFA Complex.

Club officials that attended
Paul Mukembo – (CEO) Gaddafi FC
Edrine Ochieng – (President) Gaddafi FC
Sula Kamoga – (CEO) Wakiso Giants FC
Joel Aita – (Chairman) Arua Hill SC
Bernard Bainamani – (CEO) UPL
Col. JM Ssemanda – (Chairman) UPDF FC
Allan Munaaba – (CEO) URA FC
Paul Kabaikaramu – UPL League Manager
Musa Ssebulime – (Club Director) Wakiso Giants FC
Joseph Mutaka – (CEO) BUL FC
Anisha Muhoozi – (CEO) KCCA FC
Ronald Barente – (Chairman). BUL FC
Mathias Mugwanya – (CEO) Soltilo Bright Stars FC
Isaac Mwesigwa – (CEO) Express FC
Edison Sabasaba – (CEO) Onduparaka FC
Diana Hope Nyago – (Chairperson) Busoga United FC
Hassan Lule – (Chairman) Wakiso Giants FC
Simon Peter Njuba -(CEO) Vipers SC
Derrick Lule -(CEO) Busoga United FC

A total of 23 Ugandan football referees have today received their FIFA Badges & Equipment for 2022.

The 23 approved referees received their badges at a function conducted by the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo on Thursday 17th February 2022 at FUFA Complex in Mengo.

In his address to the referees, the President asked them to conduct themselves in a manner that that befits and international Referee.

‘When you’re a FIFA Referee you have to conduct yourself in a manner that befits an international Referee. Avoid being in situations that are going to expose you.’ Said Eng. Magogo.

The President also reaffirmed that he has no hand in their activities and anyone who uses his name to influence their actions is a liar.

‘We have been clear that when we give you a badge, it is yours but you can choose to give it back to us. We have said that our parameters are three which include Integrity, Fitness and Performance thus you can choose integrity and no one forces you to be a person of integrity. Our role is to give you an opportunity to perform and also work hard for fitness which is not a choice but something you must do. As a President I’m not interested in determining what comes out of your work by virtue of my position,” he stated before adding, ” If anybody comes to you claiming that I’ve sent him or her, that’s the biggest lie you can ever find.”

Eng. Magogo also assured the Officails of the Federation protection whenever they are on the right but later cautioned then of intended mistakes.

”We have agreed to protect you whenever you’re right and we are proud of those moments you have taken correct decisions. We are all human beings that make mistakes but if someone makes a mistake intentionally then disciplinary measures have to be taken.” Eng Magogo cautioned the officials.

Also present was the Chairman FUFA Referees’ Standing Committee Brian Nsubuga Miiro who asked the Referees to lift the Uganda flag high whenever they are given and opportunity.

”We have given out the FIFA badges to Futsal, Beach Soccer and eleven aside FIFA Referees. We have emphasised Integrity, Fitness and Performance when representing Uganda. We are sure that our Referees will deliver because we’ve taken then through various trainings, courses and the latest one was in January as we prepared for the second round of the elite Leagues.” Said Nsubuga.

The list of Referees

Male referees: Mashood Ssali, Ali Sabilla Chelangat, William Oloya, Ronald Madanda and George Olemu

Male Assistant Referees: Dick Okello, Ronald Katenya, Lee Okello, Isa Masembe, Hakim Mulindwa, Emmanuel Okudra

Futsal Referees: Brian Emmy Nsubuga, Isaac Sengendo

Beach Soccer: Ivan Kintu Bayige, Muhammad Ssenteza, Kennedy Kawagga Bazirio and Joel Chote Munyendoh

Female Referees: Shamirah Nabadda and Diana Murungi

Female Assistant referees: Lydia Nantabo Wanyama, Marex Nakitto Nkumbi, Jane Mutonyi and Dorcus Atuhaire

Preparations for the start of the new football season (2021/22) are in high gear and every department is working towards getting ready.

National Referees on Saturday morning underwent successful physical fitness tests at Makerere University Sports Ground.

It should be noted that prior to today’s session, the Referees had undergone medical tests on Friday at FUFA Complex.

A total of 82 referees were part of the exercise that put emphasis on speed, endurance and movement on pitch.

According to FUFA Physical Fitness Referees’ instructor, Ali Kalyango, the fitness test is mandatory and helps in putting match officials in the right state ahead of the season.

“The purpose of this exercise is to prepare the Referees for the new season and I’m really impressed that majority performed well.” He said.

FUFA Executive Committee Member, Rogers Byamukama who also graced the exercise put emphasis on Referees maintaining the three principles of Fitness, Integrity and Performance.

The StarTimes Uganda Premier League is expected to get underway on 15th October 2021 with the rest of the FUFA Competitions following thereafter.