Female Ugandan Referees Get Big FIFA Assignment

Three female Ugandan match officials have been appointed to officiate the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers match between Nigeria and Senegal.

Diana Murungi in action during a Uganda Premier League match at Najjembe Stadium Lugazi Photo courtesy.

Referee Diana Murungi has been designated to lead the team, a testament to her wealth of experience on the continent and locally in Uganda. With a proven track record, Murungi officiated at the TotalEnergies AFCON U17 CECAFA Region Qualifiers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, last year, showcasing her expertise and capabilities.

Immaculate Ongeria has been appointed as the first assistant referee, bringing her skills and knowledge to the pitch. Ongeria is the only Ugandan female referee selected for the CAF Women Prospective Referee and assistant referees 2026 course, highlighting her potential and dedication to the sport.

Elizabeth Nassolo signaling for goalkick at the MTN Omondi Stadium Lugogo during a UPL match between NEC FC and Kitara Football Club.

Elizabeth Nassolo has been appointed as the second assistant, rounding out the Ugandan contingent.

The match is scheduled to take place at Ibaden Lekan Salami Stadium on Saturday, February 7, with the Senegal women’s team having arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday, February 3, for the first leg. The second leg will be played on February 14 in Thies, east of Dakar. The winner of the two-legged tie will qualify for the final round of African Qualifiers for the U20 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in Poland this year.

Suavis Iratunga from Burundi will serve as the fourthofficial, while Christine Enyonam Ziga from Ghana and Berthe Bertile Minka from Gabon have been appointed as the commissioner and Referee Assessors, respectively