Uganda’s newly named FIFA Referees have been strongly cautioned against participating in sports betting. FUFA Referees’ Standing Committee Chairman, Sam Mpiima has warned the referees to desist from all forms of sports betting.
It is unethical for referees to participate in match fixing, betting and all acts contrary to the running of the game of football. All referees caught in the act will be seriously reprimanded.
Mpima remarked as he officiated at the FIFA badge handover ceremony held at FUFA House in Mengo on Wednesday.
FIFA Medical and referees’ committee member, Dr James Ssekajugo congratulated the 22 Ugandan FIFA referees (highest number in Uganda to ever have the FIFA badge).
Uganda is privileged to have this number. At FIFA, we consider quality than anything else. I urge these referees to maintain the ethics and standards to serve football.
First time FIFA referees included Kapchorwa’s Ali Chelangat Sabilla, three beach soccer referees (Ivan Bayige Kintu, Shafic Mugerwa and Muhammed Ssenteza) and Anna Akoyi (female FIFA referee).
FUFA referees’ manager has urged the referees to avoid politics, keep fit and use optimum use of the referees’ fitness instructor, Ali Kalyango and the retired FIFA referees for advise. Mbale region’s Ronald Katenya, 24, is the youngest of all.
FUFA had submitted a list of 27 names to FIFA but only 22 names were successfully returned.
Center referee, Mashood Ssali is the highest ranked Uganda at 29 out of the 327 FIFA center referees.
Robert Donney, Isa Masembe, Samuel Kakembo, Emmy Kakooza and Ronnie Kalema are some of the top names missing on the list.
The 22 new officials brings the total number of Uganda’s FIFA referees to 86 ever.
Danny Nkata (Rest in Peace), also a former golfing sensation was the first FIFA referee from Uganda. He received his badge in 1960.
Catherine Adipo was the first female FIFA referee in East and Central Africa.
LIST OF FIFA REFEREES:
Center Referees:
Denis Batte, Mashood Ssali – 29th out of 327, Brian Nsubuga Miiro, Rajab Kalyonkolo Bakasambe and Ali Chelangat Sabilla
Assistant Referees:
Musa Balikoowa Ngobi, Lee Okello , Mark Ssonko, Samuel Kayondo, Ronald Katenya and Hussein Bugembe
Beach Soccer Referees:
Ivan Bayige Kintu, Shafic Mugerwa and Muhammed Ssenteza
Women Referees:
Aisha Nabikko Ssemmambo, Irene Namubiru and Anna Akoyi.
Women Assistant Referee
Catherine Cynthia Nagaddya, Nakitto Nkumbi, Lydia Wanyama Nantabo, Jane Mutonyi and Diana Junia Mukasa