Uganda’s growing stature in continental futsal received another significant boost as referees Brian Emmy Nsubuga and Isaac Sengendo delivered impressive performances during the 2026 CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers held in early February.
The two officials, who occupy Uganda’s designated futsal slots on the 2026 FIFA International Refereeing List, were appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to officiate key second-round qualification fixtures in Tanzania and Mozambique, underlining CAF’s continued confidence in Ugandan officiating.
In the first assignment on February 3, Nsubuga served as Third Referee while Sengendo was appointed Reserve Assistant Referee during the Tanzania versus Côte d’Ivoire encounter. Tanzania secured a 7–3 victory in a high-tempo match that demanded sharp game management, accurate decision-making, and strong teamwork from the officiating crew.
Five days later in Maputo, the Ugandan duo took on more central roles in the return leg between Mozambique and Mauritania on February 8. Nsubuga officiated as First Referee, with Sengendo as Second Referee, as Mozambique claimed a 3–1 victory to advance on aggregate. Their calm authority, consistency, and control throughout the encounter earned positive remarks from match officials and observers.
Futsal Association Uganda (FAU) Refereeing Instructor Kafeero Erias praised the referees, attributing their success to preparation and discipline.
“These assignments are not accidental. Brian and Isaac have demonstrated a strong understanding of the futsal laws, excellent positioning, and mental composure. Their performances reflect the steady progress we are making in futsal refereeing development as a country,” Kafeero said.
FUFA Football Referees Standing Committee (FRSC) Chairperson Nsubuga Miiro also hailed the appointments as a point of national pride.
“Seeing Ugandan referees trusted with decisive CAF qualifiers speaks volumes about their credibility. It is a clear indication that our investment in referee education and assessment is yielding results at the highest level,” Miiro noted.
The latest CAF assignments build on a historic milestone achieved in 2020, when Nsubuga and Sengendo became the first Ugandan referees to earn FIFA Futsal badges. Their continued presence on major continental fixtures reinforces Uganda’s rising profile in African futsal and sets a strong benchmark for the next generation of officials.