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As the 2023/2024 StarTimes Uganda Premier League approaches its kickoff, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has issued a stern reminder regarding the adherence to Article 31 of the new FUFA Competition Rules.
This particular article emphasises that referees will face consequences if they fail to comply with its provisions.
Specifically, Article 31 mandates that match officials must exclusively utilise kits provided by the federation.
Referees are explicitly reminded in Article 31 that any infringement will lead to sanctions under the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code.
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On August 16th, 2023, FUFA disseminated a communication to referees, introducing "JANZI" as the new technical supplier of referee attire for the 2023/2024 season across all FUFA-sanctioned competitions.
To an outsider, this announcement might seem like a positive development for the dedicated officials in black, who play a crucial role in the world of football.
However, for the referees themselves, this pronouncement came across as an authoritative directive, rather than a choice.
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07:12 - 13.09.2023
FOOTBALL AFCON 2023: North, West Africa take lion’s share of referee’s preselection list
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the selected referees for the upcoming AFCON 2023 (now scheduled for 2024), set to be held in Ivory Coast.
This announcement also raised concerns among referees as the kit supplier mandated them to purchase the kits.
In response to this situation, many referees began questioning the quality of the kits, as they believed they did not match the standards of the ones they had previously purchased or those provided by FIFA for international referees.
Some referees, preferring to remain anonymous, voiced their concerns, noting that the kits were too expensive, particularly for non-national referees, who earn a modest 100,000 UGS per match.
Regional referees, in contrast, are paid a mere 25,000 UGS per match, often delayed, and sometimes never received when needed most.
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15:11 - 12.09.2023
FOOTBALL Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia prepare for party as Ugandan referees to miss 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
As the country continues to reel in pain over Uganda Cranes failing to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, CAF has also sidelined Ugandan referees.
Surprisingly, the leadership of the referees' association did not issue a formal statement addressing the pleas and grievances of its members.
The only statement made on this matter came from a senior retired referee, ‘Atayagala jigula, abileke, FUFA yeyasazewo sinze,’ which translates to ‘If you don't want to buy the kits, you should leave.’
This statement sent shivers down the spines of young referees, leaving them hesitant to voice their concerns.
FIFA referees and those aspiring to attain FIFA status reluctantly complied with the directive for fear of being victimised, even though many expressed their frustration privately.
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In summary, a significant portion of the referees remained unconvinced by the idea of purchasing kits under the JANZI name.
They suggested that the federation should provide the kits for free since the referees are an integral part of the FA.
Some argued that, akin to the national team, referees should receive free kits rather than being compelled to buy from a supplier who does not compensate them for advertising the JANZI brand.
Each kit set, consisting of a top, shorts, stockings, whistle, and cards, comes at a price of UGX100,000, making it a considerable financial burden for many referees.
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