By 
In a move that has sparked significant debate, William Oloya, the 36-year-old FIFA-branded referee, has been included in the officiating list for the Uganda Premier League (UPL) second round, set to commence on February 11, 2025.
This comes after Oloya was handed a six-month suspension on January 15, 2025, due to a controversial incident during a UPL match earlier in the season.
The incident that led to Oloya’s suspension occurred during a game between KCCA FC and NEC FC, where Oloya failed to report two yellow cards he issued to players Gavin Kizito Mugweri and Emojong Anthony Okimaru in his post-match report.
This indirectly impacted KCCA FC’s subsequent match against Mbarara City FC, where the club was forced to forfeit the game due to fielding Kizito, who had accumulated enough yellow cards to be ineligible.
While the exact reasoning behind his reinstatement remains unclear, with anticipation that the season will be done by the end of current suspension.
Apart from Ali Sabila Chelengat and Mashood Ssali who both retired this season, Oloya remains as one of the high-profile officials named on the second-round list.
Seven additional FIFA referees will also be officiating in the UPL’s second round, which includes George Olemu, Lucky Razake Kasalirwe, Dick Okello, Joshua Duula, Shamirah Nabadda, Habiba Naigaga, and Diana Murungi.
Lucky Razake Kasalirwe.
Shamirah Nabadda.
These experienced officials, alongside Oloya, will hope to bring their expertise to the competition, ensuring that the matches are conducted fairly.
Alongside the seasoned referees, the second round also includes a new wave of emerging talent.
Young referees such as Joseph Masembe, John Baptist Tumuhaise, Hassan Samba, James Aliruku, and Denish Odokonyero will be looking to prove their abilities on the field.
Their inclusion reflects the FUFA and UPL’s ongoing efforts to nurture and develop the next generation of football officials in Uganda.
As the UPL second round is set to kick off with two exciting fixtures; SC Villa taking on Wakiso Giants at Kabaka Kyabaggu and Vipers hosting URA at Kitende.
Full list – Centre referees
George Olemu, Lucky Razake Kasalirwe, Dick Okello, Joshua Duula, Shamirah Nabadda, Habiba Naigaga, Diana Murungi, Asadu Ssemeere, Eric Francis Ojame, Felix Nuwagaba, Daniel Moses Uhuru Outeke, Rahuman Atiku, Muhammed Kirya Nasser, Isaac Ochan, Gerald Tuge Tumusiime, Vincent Kavuma, Stephen Masaya Kimayo, Jabeth Elly Ojilong, Arafat Yasir
Assistant referees
Ronald Katenya, Emmanuel Okudra, Hakim Mulindwa, Brianson Musisi, Ashiraf Katerega, Ashiraf Magoola, Lydia Wanyama Nantabo, Jane Mutonyi, Immaculate Ongiera, Elizabeth Nassolo, Mustapha Mafumu, Samuel Mbabali, Memory Gumisiriza, Timothy Karusigarira Gumisiriza, Juma Osire, Musa Mawerere, Sharif Lulenzi, Mironso Azedi, Turyatemba Maliro Erasmus, Innocent Mugerwa, Badru Happy, Musa Mursal Muzamir, Tonny Agir, Fred Kinyera, Shafik Opolot and Oscar Esiru
Young Talent and Development
Ivan Lubwama, Tomas Kalangira Kyamanywa, Asiimwe Natasha, Geofry Lucky, Lydia Auma
