Ugandan referee Isaac Ssentongo has been appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to officiate at the upcoming CAF Africa Schools Football Championship finals in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The announcement, made via CAF’s official platforms, confirms Ssentongo among a select team of 19 officiating personnel.

The delegation includes 14 referees, three referee instructors, one fitness instructor, and one physiotherapist, highlighting the tournament’s commitment to professionalism and development.

Tournament Overview
The fourth edition of the CAF Africa Schools Football Championship will run from April 2 to April 10, 2026, in Harare. The competition is widely recognized as a key grassroots initiative aimed at nurturing young football talent alongside developing officiating standards across the continent.

Uganda’s Growing Refereeing Legacy

Ssentongo becomes the fourth Ugandan referee to officiate at this championship, following in the footsteps of:

• Jackie Nambasa (Ivory Coast, 2023)
• Jabeth Elly Ojilong (Tanzania, 2024)
• Aslam Wasswa (Ghana, 2025)

His appointment reflects the steady progress of Uganda’s refereeing structures under the Federation of Uganda Football Associations.

Early Life and Career Journey

Born on April 14, 2006, in Mukono District, Ssentongo began his education at Seeta Church of Uganda Primary School before completing his secondary education at Latifah Mixed Secondary School in 2024.

He started his refereeing journey in 2018, earning his first certification and officiating at the USSSA Zonal Qualifiers in Mukono. His growth in the field saw him awarded a Buganda FUFA badge in 2024, marking a significant step in his officiating career.

Inspiration and Mentorship

Ssentongo draws inspiration from Senegalese top referee Issa Sy, whom he closely follows, aspiring to reach similar heights. Locally, he credits Vincent Kavuma as a key mentor in his development.

Reaction to Appointment

Speaking about the milestone, Ssentongo expressed gratitude and determination:

“It’s a great opportunity given to me. I pray to God to guide me through. I aim to learn and also lift the Ugandan flag through my performance at this level.”

He also acknowledged the continuous support from the FUFA referees department and his peers, emphasizing their role in his growth.

CAF Young Referees Programme

All selected officials are products of the CAF Young Referees Programme, an initiative designed to identify and nurture officiating talent at grassroots level. The programme has been integral to the championship, from zonal qualifiers to the continental finals.

Notably, the officiating team reflects diversity and inclusion, featuring both male and female referees from across Africa, with the youngest official aged just 17.

Ssentongo’s appointment stands as a testament to hard work, discipline, and integrity, while also signaling Uganda’s rising reputation in football officiating on the continental stage.