Hockey umpire Winnie Alaro believes officiating at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) games will be the pinnacle of her career.

“My ultimate goal is to officiate at the FIH international games like Olympics, Commonwealth games, African Cup of Nations and pro series,” Alaro noted.

She said this upon her return from Mbarara where she was one of the few umpires that officiated at the recently concluded Fresh Diary Games in Mbarara.

Alaro started her umpiring career in 2019 as a junior umpire in the National Hockey League. The task should have looked like a heavy load but she proved to be a strong person

Despite still being an active player with Kampala Hockey Club Swans (KHC), she still spares time off to read new rules plus officiate in the league, and Uganda Cup, among others.

“I have always loved being an umpire from way back in school, and when an opportunity was granted to me to pursue the  umpiring course in 2020, I welcomed it with both hands and from then it has been  an upward projection.”

"I have gained experience from the training made by Uganda Hockey Association (UHA) since we were very few lady umpires in the sport. I trained to become a judge and started doing games in 2020. After working as a judge, I was fortunate to attend a Level 1 umpiring course where the Uganda Hockey Association organised the DNSS project (Development of National Sports Structure) project after that I became a full umpire".

Alaro highlights that the toughest game she has ever officiated was between Wananchi SC and Weatherhead hockey.

“The game between Weatherhead and Wananchi last season in the league was my toughest game where emotions rose from players to the umpires.  I ended up sending off Weatherhead’s goalkeeper Charles Kapolon for ten minutes.”

Also is now aiming at getting more qualifications in hockey affiliation to elevate her umpiring to a level two FIH umpire since she is currently holding a level one license which is not enough to give her international duty.

“I already talked to the UHA officials and requested recommendations to pursue more qualifications in regards to umpiring which they have okayed and assured me of feedback once an opportunity comes through.”