Football experts have criticised the low pay and delayed compensation for referees in Ugandan football, claiming these issues are directly contributing to the decline in officiating standards.
Speaking on NBS Inside Sports, Raymond Musinguzi, the former Chief Executive Officer of Water FC, revealed that some referees are still owed payments from the previous season, with rates as low as 100,000 shillings per match.
Musinguzi emphasised that the lack of fair compensation puts referees in a vulnerable position.
"If I came and I tabled a lump sum in front of you, you're easily going to be compromised," he said.
He argued that while no amount of money may be "enough," referees should be paid adequately to ensure they can live comfortably and perform their duties with integrity.
Drawing from his experience in the regional league, Musinguzi described instances where referees arrived late for matches due to transportation issues, causing delays in kickoffs.
He noted that some referees are forced to rely on the hosting team for transport costs, which could influence their impartiality during the game.
Musinguzi called on the Federation to ensure that referees are fairly compensated in order to maintain the integrity of the sport.
Meanwhile, Richard Kimbowa, a former international referee, defended the performance of Ugandan referees, stating that despite facing significant challenges, they have consistently represented the country well on the international stage.
In a passionate interview on NBS Inside Sports, Kimbowa argued that referees' contributions should be recognised when evaluating Ugandan football, pointing to their representation at prestigious events such as the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments.
Kimbowa stressed that while concerns about declining standards exist, these should be measured against clear criteria.
"If we are looking at all the different departments in FUFA, I think the referees have given us the best representation," he said, adding that the performance of Ugandan referees has been among the best in the country's football history.
However, Kimbowa also revealed that he had faced personal attacks for speaking out about issues affecting referees.
He shared that, prior to the interview, he had received a threatening message from someone associated with Gaddafi FC, which he found troubling.
"These are people that Mister Mago should chase out of the game," Kimbowa said, calling for greater respect and transparency in football discussions.
Addressing the issue of unpaid dues, Kimbowa thanked FUFA for clearing all arrears for referees as of November 2023.
He expressed frustration over being labeled a liar when raising concerns about payment issues, noting that many referees had contacted him for support in securing their rightful compensation.
Kimbowa urged for open and respectful dialogue, inviting critics like the Gaddafi FC supporter to participate in future discussions.
"The era of threatening people or silencing the truth is over," he concluded, reaffirming his commitment to speaking out for the betterment of Ugandan football.