Unstoppable: Ofumbi Matsiko Murray, The One-Armed Referee Taking Uganda’s Football Scene By Storm .

Unstoppable: Ofumbi Matsiko Murray, the One-Armed Referee Taking Uganda’s Football Scene by Storm

In a remarkable display of grit and determination, Ofumbi Masiko Murray, a one-armed referee from Nakawa District Football Association, has been turning heads in Uganda’s football scene. Yesterday, Ofumbi put his skills to the test, literally, and passed the referee’s fitness test with flying colors at Makerere playground. This was no ordinary feat, considering his physical disability, but Ofumbi has long proved that he’s not defined by his limitations.

Ofumbi Masiko Murray at Makerere playground during the referees’ fitness yesterday at Makerere playground credit to Kayiira Jackson.

Ofumbi, a qualified referee since 2019, took a break from the game due to the pandemic but returned last year with a renewed passion for refereeing. His athletic background, which includes Long jump and swimming, has undoubtedly contributed to his exceptional fitness levels. As a Paralympic-qualified high jumper and breaststroke swimmer, Ofumbi knows a thing or two about pushing beyond perceived boundaries.

But it’s not just about personal achievements; Ofumbi is on a mission to inspire others.

“I feel we should now put off the ideology of being disabled and focus more on the abilities they can do within the community,” he says. “Disabilities are just circumstances that can happen.”

His story is a testament to the transformative power of sports, and he hopes to encourage more people with disabilities to take up sports and pursue their passions.

Ofumbi’s journey is nothing short of inspiring, and his determination has earned him the respect of his peers. His idol, FIFA International Ali Tomusange Mulumba, has been a significant source of inspiration, and he’s proving to be a worthy successor. As he blows his whistle on the Nakawa pitches, he’s writing a new chapter of courage and resilience, one that’s sure to inspire generations to come.

For Ofumbi, it’s not just about refereeing; it’s about breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. He’s proof that with the right mindset, anything is possible, and his story is a beacon of hope for people with disabilities everywhere. As he continues to officiate matches with Nakawa DFA, one thing is clear: Ofumbi Masiko Murray is unstoppable.