The sun dipped gently behind the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru as cheers, emotion and a sense of achievement filled the air.
After five intensive days of drills, theory, assessment and mentorship, twenty seven young referees completed the FIFA Member Association Young Talent Referees Course. The achievement marked a key milestone in Uganda’s refereeing development pathway.
The closing ceremony was vibrant, reflective and inspiring. It felt like a doorway opening to the future of officiating in the country.
It was more than a moment of receiving certificates. It was a celebration of discipline, ambition and the promise of a new generation of officials ready to elevate the game.
The course was led by FIFA Instructor Essam Abdul Fatal. His calm authority and passion for referee development set the tone throughout the programme.
Reflecting on the week, Essam praised the participants’ desire to learn.
‘These young referees showed commitment, resilience and a real desire to grow. If they keep this attitude Uganda will produce officials capable of representing the country on the international stage,’ he said. He urged them to remain consistent beyond the course.
Essam was assisted by the Supervisor of Referees Development, Brian Nsubuga Miiro, who addressed the participants with warm encouragement.
‘This was not just a course. It was a foundation. What you have built here must be strengthened with continuous training, ethical conduct and passion for the whistle,’ Miiro said. He reminded the graduates that success in refereeing is a journey rather than an event.
They were joined by Referees Manager Ssali Mashood, Oula David and Achiro Immaculate. Course coordination was handled by Sengendo Isaac and Nsubuga Brian who ensured smooth delivery of the theoretical and practical elements.
Graduates of the 2025 FIFA MA Young Talent Course
The twenty seven referees who completed the programme were Eritu Felix, Makanga Hazahal, Onen Paul, Mugerwa Innocent, Musimenta Rehemah, Akello Scovia, Talemwa Patson, Rackara Dominic, Aloyo Vicky, Kasendwa Reagan, Akol Mary, Esiru Oscar, Yasir Arafat, Lucky Geofrey, Mawadri Charles, Kalaiwe Tonny, Kakuddu Frank, Namayanja Patience, Waswa Aslam Balikanda, Maringa Ben, Kikabbi Ronald, Kasozi Aaron Weis, Ssentongo Isaac, Mironso Azed Waiswa, Samba Hassan, Namiiro Noeline and Waswa Faizo.
Each name was read out to applause as they received their certificates. Some smiled shyly and others stepped forward with confidence. All were united by a shared sense of achievement.
The course was officially opened by FUFA Executive Member Ronnie Kalema. He welcomed the young officials with strong words of motivation and reminded them that refereeing is central to the integrity of the game.
‘Football cannot grow without quality referees and quality cannot come without consistent development,’ he said as he encouraged them to uphold professionalism and continuous learning.
The programme started with thirty participants from eight football regions. Three did not complete the course after failing to meet the required fitness benchmarks which highlighted the demanding nature of modern officiating.
As certificates were handed out and group photos taken beneath the Njeru evening sky, the message was clear. Uganda’s refereeing future looks bright.
With mentorship from experts such as Essam Abdul Fatal and Bryan Nsubuga Miiro and with FUFA’s growing investment in referee development, these young officials now step forward with renewed purpose. They are ready to take charge of the game with integrity, confidence and courage. The whistle has blown on this chapter but a much bigger match lies ahead.
