Two young Ugandan referees who have developed through the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) referees’ capacity-building pathway have earned appointments to officiate at the CAF Africa Schools Football Championship CECAFA Qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda.
Namwase Mwanaiddi and Esiru Oscar have been appointed by the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) for the regional qualifiers, scheduled for 3rd to 5th September 2026 at Kigali Pele Stadium.
Their appointments represent an important milestone in their respective refereeing journeys and highlight the growing opportunities available to young match officials through school sport and structured capacity-building programmes.
More importantly, the recognition of the two officials at regional level demonstrates that the investment in developing competent young referees through USSSA competitions can create a pathway towards higher levels of football officiating.
Mwanaiddi ready for her first regional assignment
Mwanaddi in action
For Namwase Mwanaiddi, the CECAFA appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter in what is still a young refereeing career.
Born in Kampala on 12th April 2006, Mwanaiddi started refereeing in 2025 and currently holds a Grade Two USSSA qualification.
Her journey into officiating was encouraged by Makanga Hazahal, while FIFA referee Shamira Nabbada and Outeke Daniel have provided inspiration as role models she hopes to emulate as her career progresses.
Mwanaiddi completed both her O-Level and A-Level education at Gombe Secondary School and is currently a first-year Nutrition student at Synergy in Entebbe.
The regional assignment will be her first major experience outside the domestic school football environment, presenting an opportunity to learn from experienced officials and operate in a different competitive setting.
She admits that the occasion comes with both excitement and some nerves, but remains determined to make the most of the opportunity.
“I am excited and a little scared because it is my first time and I am going to meet different people, but I know I will do my best.” She said.
For Mwanaiddi, the appointment is not simply an opportunity to officiate; it is a chance to take another step towards her ambition of becoming an established referee.
Oscar takes another step forward
Oscar Esiru in action
Esiru Oscar arrives in Kigali with several years of refereeing experience behind him. A Grade Two National Referee from the Northeast Region, Oscar qualified in 2021 and has continued to develop through Uganda’s refereeing structures.
His progress has been supported by several individuals who have played important roles in his journey, including Opolot Shafik, Brian Miro Nsubuga, Ssali Mashood and Dan Otim. He also credits Apio Hellen, whom he regards as a mother figure, for her continued support, encouragement and prayers throughout his refereeing journey.
Oscar draws inspiration from Mathius Omunyira, a former National Assistant Referee from the Northeast Region. His role models include Dr Sabila, Brian Miro and Omar Artan, officials whose careers continue to shape his ambitions.
The CECAFA appointment came as an unexpected but welcome recognition of his progress.
“Honestly, I feel very honoured and grateful. It is a big appointment that I did not expect. I am surprised and excited at the same time,” Oscar said.
He believes the appointment is an indication that his efforts are beginning to receive recognition while acknowledging the responsibility that comes with officiating at a regional competition.
“I feel trusted and motivated because it shows that my work is being recognized. I also feel a little bit of pressure to deliver, but more than that I feel ready and proud to be part of such important games.”
With Uganda represented at the qualifiers, Oscar is determined to make his opportunity count.
“I will do my best to lift the FUFA and country’s flag up.”
He expressed appreciation to the federation, Referees Development Manager Ssali Mashood, Chairman of Referees Brian Miro, the Northeast Region, Apio Hellen and everyone who has supported him throughout his development.
Another success for the school sport pathwayThe appointments of Mwanaiddi and Oscar offer an important reminder that the impact of school sport extends beyond the athletes competing on the field.
Through competitions, training and capacity-building initiatives, USSSA continues to provide opportunities for young people to develop careers across different areas of football, including refereeing.
The progression of the two officials to a CECAFA-appointed regional competition demonstrates the value of creating structured pathways for young match officials to gain experience and exposure.
As the CAF Africa Schools Football Championship CECAFA Qualifiers bring together the region’s leading school football teams in Kigali, Mwanaiddi and Oscar will have the opportunity to represent Uganda, test themselves at a higher level and continue building foundations for what they hope will be long and successful refereeing careers.
Their appointments are not only personal achievements but also a positive reflection of Uganda’s growing investment in the development of young football officials.
