Youngest national referee in Uganda
Blair Mbuluwaze is a 14-year-old football referee. He officiates in national leagues. He is the youngest national referee in Uganda.
By Herbert Musoke
When did you get into refereeing?
In 2016, when I was in Primary Four at Officers’ Mess playground in Makindye, I met Stuart Kaweesa, a referee. I showed interest in being a referee and he encouraged me to go for training. I started training with Ali Kaddu, a referee.
Are you a qualified referee?
In 2019, I attended a beginners’ referee course of The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) at Old Kampala Primary School. I graduated with a certificate.
Which leagues do you officiate?
My qualification allows me to officiate at academy games for children. These are 4th and 5th division FUFA official league games in Makindye.
Have you encountered any challenges while officiating these games?
Not yet. I think it is because the players look at me as their younger brother. I am usually the central referee. There are usually four referees. The central referee is the final decision maker in a game.
Are you studying?
Yes, I am in Senior Two at St. Mbuga Vocational SSS, Makindye-Rusaka.
Doesn’t being a referee affect your studies?
Not at all. The beauty with football is that games are usually played in the evening, after classes. Also, games are fixed with dates and venues. This makes it easy for me to programme myself.
Do you play football?
I played football from Primary One to Primary Seven. I was a defender at Volf Soccer Academy. My coach, Peter Sserumaga, realised I was interested in officiating so he encouraged me to join refereeing.
Who is your inspiration?
In Uganda, I am inspired by Malex Nakitto, one of the female referees in the National Super League (Star Times Uganda Premier League). On the international scene, I admire Michael Oliver, who is a referee in the English Premier League.
What are your dreams?
My desire is to acquire the International Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) referee’s badge so that I can officiate at international games.
