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September 27th, 2023, will forever hold a special place in the history of Uganda and the entire East African CECAFA region.
This momentous day in the world of football saw CAF President Patrice Motsepe announce Pamoja as the successful host for the 2027 African Cup of Nations, the continent’s premier football event.
This historic announcement also signifies an opportunity for Ugandan refereeing to make a remarkable comeback.
For years, Uganda’s representation in the field of refereeing has been limited. The last full referee from Uganda, Mohammed Ssegonga, retired prematurely after officiating in two AFCON tournaments in Ghana 2008 and Angola 2010.
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Before Ssegonga, Charles Masembe was at the 1996 and 1998 Africa Cup of Nations, officiating the final at he latter between South Africa and Tunisia.
Others, like Mark Sonko and Ali Tomusange, have had their moments, but injuries and limited opportunities held them back.
Tomusange officiated the final of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations between Tunisia and Morocco.
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10:30 - 08.10.2023
FOOTBALL OPINION: Uganda will require a strategic PR media campaign for AFCON 2027
Currently, the primary focus of the three host nations is on ensuring that all the facilities outlined in the bid are in place before the tournament.
As the 2025 AFCON approaches in Ivory Coast, Uganda still lacks representation among match officials.
This highlights the urgent need for action, as the candle of active refereeing at the highest level risks burning out by then.
While the announcement offers hope, there’s much work ahead. First and foremost, the focus must shift from region-based selection to meritocracy.
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Referee appointments should be based on skills, not appeasement, allowing the best referees to rise, regardless of their region.
The federation should prioritize refereeing in its technical development plan, seeking guidance from countries like Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, and South Africa, known for their strong refereeing programs.
Outsourcing expertise and training can help Uganda nurture top-tier referees. Preparation for the 2027 tournament should start now, with at least two sets of referees (2 referees and 6 assistant referees) in training.
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06:58 - 02.10.2023
FOOTBALL PAMOJA BID: Why it is important for East Africa to Embrace AFCON 2027
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to be a pivotal event for East Africa, with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania serving as proud hosts.
This preparation includes mastering technologies like VAR, which requires specialized training and expertise. Hosting a tournament doesn’t guarantee referees; they must meet CAF’s standards.
If Uganda’s referees fall short, they may serve as support or assistant referees, which, while important, might not fulfill the ambitions of dedicated referees. September 27th, 2023, marked a significant step forward for Ugandan refereeing.
Still, achieving the goal of having the best referees on the continent by 2027 will require concerted efforts, a focus on merit, and investment in training and development.
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