Ugandan football is facing the threat of significant disruption as murmurs within the refereeing community suggest a possible strike during the ongoing 2025/2026 season.
Though no official declaration has been made, credible insider accounts indicate that match officials are seriously weighing industrial action. The growing unrest stems from a troubling mix of physical insecurity, controversial disciplinary measures, and what referees describe as a persistent lack of institutional support.
In recent months, incidents involving violence against referees have reportedly increased, while disciplinary rulings, particularly suspensions and bans, have also surged.
Many officials believe these punishments are not only excessive but, in some cases, unjustified.
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One senior referee, speaking anonymously to Footy-Uganda, expressed deep frustration with the current climate:
“We cannot work in an environment where documents about suspensions and bans are more frequent than moments of appreciation for the sacrifices we make. We risk our lives for this game, yet we are constantly threatened and there is no morale at all. At times, decisions are made based on reactions rather than facts, just to please teams.”
The dissatisfaction appears especially acute among top-tier officials, who feel increasingly exposed and unsupported. A recurring concern is the perceived lack of autonomy within the Referees’ Disciplinary Panel (RDP), which some believe operates under undue influence from appointing authorities.
Even when referees are cleared of wrongdoing, they claim repercussions linger in less visible forms, being quietly sidelined from assignments, a practice colloquially known in football circles as “put in the fridge.”
Leadership within the refereeing structure has also come under scrutiny. Figures such as Ssali Mashood and Brian Miiro Nsubuga, both former FIFA referees now in administrative roles, are being criticized for their perceived silence during moments of crisis.
According to several referees, communication from the top has largely been limited to announcing sanctions, with little effort made to publicly defend officials or clarify contentious decisions. This, they argue, stands in stark contrast to practices in other football systems, where governing bodies actively shield and support referees under scrutiny.
Another insider captured the prevailing sentiment:
“There is a feeling of betrayal. If those who were once in our shoes cannot stand with us now, then who will? It seems like referees have become scapegoats for football politicians used to absorb pressure and criticism from clubs and fans.”
The emotional toll is evident, with some officials expressing their frustrations in raw terms. One referee, who was assaulted during a regional league match, vented:
“Bajje bajjefuyile munange nabo balina Abaana babalete bafuwe.” He loosely translated his remarks as: “let them also come officiate the matches or bring their kids to officiate them.”
Behind the scenes, referees are reportedly engaging in serious deliberations about collective action. While no formal demands have been published, key concerns include enhanced protection from violence, transparent and fair disciplinary systems, improved communication from leadership, and greater respect for their profession.
If the officials proceed with a strike, the consequences could be immediate and widespread. Fixtures across multiple competitions, including the Uganda Premier League, may be halted, potentially throwing the national football calendar into chaos.
For now, the situation remains fluid. But unless meaningful dialogue and reforms emerge quickly, Ugandan football could be heading toward one of its most disruptive standoffs in recent history.
