From football hopeful to rising referee: 16-year-old Sebaduka eyes global stage

Ugandan young volleyball referee Sebaduka James hopes to become an international official as he gains experience at local and regional competitions while balancing his studies.

The 16-year-old told Vision Sports that he is determined to improve his skills and take advantage of every opportunity to advance his refereeing career.

James officiated at the 2026 CAVB Zone V Beach Volleyball Championship at Bunjako Beach in Mpigi District, gaining experience in the sand after working mainly on indoor courts.

A Senior Three student at Namugongo Vocational and Secondary School, he has officiated at several competitions, including district and zonal events, USSSA championships, Under-17 nationals, the FEASSA Games and primary schools’ nationals in Mubende.

The beach volleyball championship has given him another opportunity to learn from experienced players, coaches and officials as he works towards his dream.

“I am growing into the game. I am developing, and I have got chances at international championships. I have been given a platform and an opportunity. That is the most important thing,” James told Vision Sports.

His interest in volleyball grew after he saw the school team prepare to travel to Serbia for the International School Sport Federation (ISF) World School Volleyball Championship in April 2024. The team’s participation in competitions across East Africa also inspired him.

“I was a football player, but because of my size, I thought I would not get the chance to join the school team. When I heard that the volleyball boys were going to Serbia and had been travelling to East African countries, I was inspired,” he said.

James started watching volleyball matches and training before the school’s head coach, Joshua Osia, who also coaches Elyon Volleyball Club, encouraged him to consider refereeing.

His journey took shape in 2025 when he attended a USSSA Level One refereeing capacity-building course in Tororo. His instructor, Innocent Komakech, taught him the rules and regulations of the game and became his mentor.

“He inspired me and taught me the rules and regulations. He is my mentor,” James said.

James said his early experiences as an official were manageable because he had studied the rules and understood what was expected of him.

“I was new in the game, but I had exposure because I had learnt the rules. It was not hard for me. I felt good because of the respect and discipline,” he said.

Working with experienced players and coaches has also helped him learn how to handle difficult situations and keep up with changes in the rules.

“I have learnt a lot about how to handle situations. They help me because they are international. They inform me and update me on changing rules,” he said.

Despite his growing involvement in volleyball, James remains committed to his education, saying it is important to his future.

“I am studying hard. Education is the key to everything. I am putting my studies into consideration because I am in Senior Three and doing well,” he told Vision Sports.