16/03/2026
FOOTBALL REFEREE ANGUFINDRU RETIRES AFTER 17 YERARS !
Uganda National Football Referee Angufindru Francis has officially retired from arbitrating the beautiful game of football.A grade two referee and one of the only seventeen National Referees in the region, Angufindru developed interest for refereeing in 2007 and qualified for official FUFA sanctioned matches in 2009. He took to the centre for his first official match in 2012, a regional league match between Kuluva Rainbow Fc and Okollo Central Fc at the Hospital View Arena in Kuluva. Angufindru was the centre referee in Lango Province’s 3-0 victory over Kigezi province in the FUFA Drum on August 5, 2023 with goals from Darius Ojok, Moses Aliro and Dickens Okwir at the Akii-Bua Memorial Stadium in Lira and that remains the biggest game in his memory.The experienced centreman born on November 17, 1986 cited the need to inspire and leave space for the younger generational referees to have the opportunities as the reason for his retirement despite still having one year remaining until his official retirement.The amazing journey to 17 years refereeing was far from easy for Angufindru. He faced the hurdle of coming from an area with little urban exposure and very few FUFA-sanctioned matches to practice the craft. Outside the field, he had to battle public pressure and inferiority when standing alongside more seasoned senior referees. Overcoming those internal and external doubts was just as challenging as any match and he recalled moments of officiating with senior refs like Asiku Summary, Adrole Ben, Asua Luke, Anguzu Ronald and other seniors.He said he has had the opportunity to know many people, make different friendships and learn many places and cultures across Uganda because of refereeing."Refereeing has been my greatest teacher; it has given me the incredible opportunity to travel across Uganda and experience our diverse cultures firsthand. Beyond the pitch, the whistle has allowed me to visit new places and build lasting friendships with people I never would have met otherwise. It is a privilege to see the beauty of our country while serving the game I love."Angufindru has encouraged more young people to join refereeing while being disciplined, good listeners, reliable, and leaving pride aside. After retirement Angufindru has been elevated to chair the referee’s association for West Nile Region Football Association.A full-time classroom teacher at Onzua Primary school in Terego District, Angufindru has planned taking administrative role in football as an instructor, assessor and other administrative roles in the game and promised to groom more young referees in the region and in honour of his service , West Nile Region Football Association shifted the regional league clash between Odramacaku Fc and Paidha United Fc on Sunday 15, March 2026 to Leju Stadium in Terego district and marking the first time a regional league match was played at the stadium .Odramacaku Fc won the match 2-1 , goalkeeping coach and player Okuni Ramandan , midfielder Osuta Jackson aka OJ scored for Odramacaku in the first half while Ronny Franco scored for Paidha United in the second half.
