Mark Ssonko First Ugandan Referee To Officiate AT CHAN.

Mark Ssonko First Ugandan Referee To Officiate AT CHAN

Few days ago the Confederation of African Football confirmed a list 52 matches officials that will oversea upcoming CHAN slated to kickoff on 2nd of August 2025.

Nabadda Shamirah currently at the WAFCON tournament in Morocco Photo courtesy

Uganda will be represented by two referees and one assist referee that’s Shamirah Nabadda who is currently at WAFCON tournament in Morocco, Lucky Razake Kasalirwe and Ronald Katenya respectively.

Lucky Razake Kasalirwe will represent Uganda at upcoming CHAN tournament next month

Okello Dick had a chance to become the second Ugandan Referee to officiate at CHAN in 2021 held in Cameroon but due to his religious beliefs which prohibited vaccination. He missed out on the 2021 CHAN finals. Okello Dick changed roles from assistant referee to a referee and is now a FIFA Badge holder .

Dick Okello now a FIFA Referee- credit to Bata Images .

However Mark Ssonko became the first Ugandan Referee (Assistant) to officiate ever at CHAN tournament.

Ssonko decided to join refereeing in 1998 after suffering from an injury on his leg forcing him to retire from playing football .

Ssonko Mark with FUFA President during FIFA Badge handover Ceremony Photo Courtesy.

Ssonko got a FIFA Badge in 2010 and his first International game was between Burundi’s Ludic Academy and Wari Wolves from Nigeria.

At the CHAN Tournament 2014 held South Africa Mark Ssonko became the first Ugandan Referee (Assistant) to officiate at CHAN finals .

On your Left Mark Ssonko at CHAN tournament in South Africa in 2014 .

At this tournament was he was involved in five matches including Burundi Vs Gambo , Ethiopia Vs Libya, DR Congo Vs Mauritania among others. But the most notable one was the Quarter finals between Nigeria and Morocco in a thrilling encounter that ended 4-3 in favour of Nigeria at Capetown City Stadium.

On Your Left Ssonko Mark still at CHAN tournament 2014 .

Two Years later Mark Ssonko was again appointed to Officiate at CHAN Tournament in Rwanda making him the first Ugandan Referee (Assistant) to officiate in two different CHAN Final tournament.

In this tournament Ssonko was involved in five matches including the Semi final match between DR Congo and Guinea which ended 1-1 in favour of both teams but DR Congo emerged victors 5-4 via penalty shout-outs.

Ssonko Mark with FUFA CEO Edgar Watson in CHAN 2016 ahead of the DR Congo & Guinea clash at CHAN Photo courtesy

This game was handled by Kenyan Referee Davis Ochenge Omweno .

Ssonk learnt alot from Mr Ali Tomusange the only Ugandan Referee to have officiated at FIFA World Cup and was his role model.

Ali Tomusange only Ugandan to have officiated at FIFA World Cup- Photo courtesy

Mark Ssonko born to the late Mark Kagwa who was a national referee in Mpigi in the 80s.

Ssonko became the second Ugandan male Referee to officiate at FIFA sanctioned tournament after Ali Tomusange who was an assistant referee at the 2002 World Cup.

On Your right , Mark Ssonko During an International Match – Photo courtesy

Ssonko was always fit , with great positioning and sharp visual acuity to accurately judge offsides and he officiated at many international tournaments including the following;

• CHAN 2014
• CHAN 2016
• AFCON U23 – 2015
• FIFA World Cup U17 – 2017
• AFCON U20 – 2015
• AFCON 2019.
• AFCON U17 – 2013 .
• AFCON U17 -2017

Ssonko Mark during a UPL match at Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium- Credit Pulse Sports.

Arguably one of the best assistant referee Uganda as ever produced Mark Ssonko’s last major tournament was the 2019 AFCON that was held in Egypt.

Due to an injury , Ssonko retired from Refereeing in 2019 and he currently serves as the referees assessor and he was recently appointed at the AFCON U20 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers held in Tanzania.

Ssonko During some watch outs in GYM – Photo courtesy

Ssonko makes assessments at levels of football in Uganda.

Ssonko argues upcoming referees to work hard because modern refereeing is very demanding , CAF and FIFA level Referees do monthly tests . Referees undergo more fitness tests for each tournament when assigned to handle games . Therefore hard training is required.

Ssonko Mark during a prematch meeting at the ongoing Masaza Cup tournament at Hamz stadium Nakivubo

The minimum days for referee should train must be atleast four days a week. There is no way you can officiate matches while you are not fit enough.

The knowledge of the rules, a deep understanding of the Laws of the Game is essential. This includes knowing the rules thoroughly and being able to interpret them in various situations, Ssonko added.

Education Background

• Kanyike Primary School
• St Balikudembe SSS
• Kamengo Vocational Institute.