Referees from Northern Uganda trained on new FIFA rules

The Northern Uganda Football Referees Association has trained 42 qualified referees in the new rules for the sport which were recently released by FIFA.

Referees from 16 districts of Lango and Acholi sub regions took part in the refresher course, which included theoretical and practical sessions.

Classroom sessions involved movements and ways to communicate with players during matches.

The referees also underwent a physical fitness test during the two-day refresher course which took place at Lira Town College over the weekend.

Denis Ojwee, the chairperson Northern Uganda Football Referees Association and vice chairperson of Uganda Referees Association, Adipo Constance Catherine conducted the two-day training.

According to Ojwee, who also doubles as a FIFA instructor, only referees who have undergone this training will officiate matches in the districts, regional and national.

He said there are approximately 200 referees in the region but about 20 are active and yet Lango and Acholi sub regions have 18 slots to officiate matches in regional leagues, Big League and the Uganda Premier League and therefore more people are needed on board.