The world Football body, FIFA has released a list of 16 Ugandan referees for the award of international badges for the year 2012.
The list has four male centre referees, one person less compared to the 2010 list. The changes in this category partly follows the voluntary retirement of Mohammad Segonga. He officially threw in the towel after his farewell game between URA FC and army side Simba SC in the Bell Uganda Cup finals in May this year.
The male centre referees include Denis Batte, Ronnie Kalema, Ali Kalyango and Fredrick Ngobi Mfuta. Irene namubiru and Ssemambo Nabikko are the only two female centre referees. The list also has seven male assistant referees led by Hussein Bugembe, Khilifan Kanakulya, Samuel Kayondo, Yahaya Kitti, Musa Ngobi Balikoowa, Patabali Okello and Mark Sonko. Rehmah Kizito, Diana Mukasa and Marrex Nakitto Nkumbi are the three female assistant referees.
Meanwhile FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa has warned referees against taking sides as they execute their duties. “The results of a game should not depend on you by showing sides but instead create a conducive environment for the best team to win” Mulindwa said. He was addressing referees at the federation headquarters on December 27. (By Rogers Mulindwa, Head of Communications-FUFA)
