From Whistles To Boots: Kampala Referees Battle For 2026 Title

Kampala Region Referees Gear Up for 2nd Edition of Inter-DFA Tournament 📸 Jackshots .

Organizing committee handing over the title to Rubaga Captain Oscar Mazima

The Kampala Region Referees’ Inter-DFA Football Tournament returns for its 2nd Edition in 2026, with action set to kick off on 9th June at Mutesa II Wankulukuku Stadium. After a successful debut last year, the tournament is expanding to bring more referees together for competition, fitness, and camaraderie during the off-season.

Champions of the upcoming edition will lift the trophy and gold medals, while 1st runners-up will take home silver. Individual honours will also be handed out for MVP, Top Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, and Fair Play Team.

On Your left Afande Onduparaka and On Your Right Hallange Bob Henry ‘Akume’ Lifting The 2025 Title .

Rubaga DFA, coached by Kalule Michael and Mugisha Alex, claimed the inaugural title, with Juuko Nelson named Best Goalkeeper. Makindye DFA produced the tournament’s standout performers, as Ogwokuth Sunday Robert finished Top Scorer and Buluwaze Blair was crowned MVP.

Tournament Format and Rules

This year’s competition will adopt a mixed format of Round Robin plus a final.

Nakawa DFA Team That Took Part In The Last Edition coached by Mr Musoke Peter

Teams will play single-leg matches at a single ground decided by the Tournament Organizing Committee, with two games scheduled per match day.

The top two sides after the Round Robin phase will advance to the final to decide the champion.

Makindye That Took Part In The Last Edition coached by Mr Nsubuga Faisal

If teams finish level on points, tiebreakers will apply in this order: Goal Difference, Goals For, Goals Against, Fair Play Rule based on disciplinary cards, and finally a coin toss.

Teams must pay a non-refundable registration fee of UGX 300,000 and an officiating fee of UGX 45,000 per match day before kickoff.

Rubaga DFA Team Take Took Part In The Last Edition

Only active, affiliated 2026 members of each DFA are eligible, and all players and officials must be clearly registered on the match day referee’s report form.

Each side is allowed 7 substitutes across 3 opportunities. Matches will be played in 40-minute halves, and every team must present at least one good ball on match day. Smartness is mandatory: full uniform jerseys with bold numbers, no swapping with substitutes, and official colours must be declared in advance to avoid clashes.

Discipline will be strictly enforced. Red-carded players or officials miss the next game, fielding suspended personnel leads to automatic loss, and hooliganism will attract sanctions. Matters not covered will be governed by FUFA, CAF, and FIFA rules.

According to organizer Fran Kakudu, the tournament was created to unite referees, boost morale and motivation, maintain fitness during the off-season, build teamwork, and deepen understanding of the Laws of the Game through practice.

Kawempe DFA Team That Took Part In The Last Edition

“We achieved our goals in the first edition,” Kakudu said. “We got to know each other, shared knowledge about refereeing, and kept our bodies fit to handle matches.”

The 2026 edition introduces two key changes: the number of participating teams has increased from 4 to 5, and the new Round Robin plus final format promises a more competitive race for the title.

With prizes to play for, rules in place, and referees lacing up as players, the stage is set for another edition that blends competition with the spirit of togetherness that defines Kampala’s match officials.