Uganda rises again on Africa’s elite refereeing stage through young star Kasalirwe Lucky Razake

At just 29, Ugandan center referee Kasalirwe Lucky Razake is making his mark on the continental stage, becoming another symbol of Uganda’s growing presence in African football officiating.

Ugandan refereeing could be witnessing the emergence of one of its most exciting prospects. Kasalirwe Lucky Razake is making significant strides on the continental stage following his reported elevation into the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Elite A refereeing category.

Once again, Uganda is rising on the African refereeing stage, and this time, through a referee (center referee). It is particularly encouraging to see a young Ugandan male referee earning recognition at this level, not as an assistant referee on the touchline, but as the man entrusted with the whistle and the responsibility of controlling the game.

His progression represents another important milestone for Uganda’s presence in African football officiating and places the spotlight on a young official whose international career is advancing at an impressive pace.

What makes Kasalirwe’s rise particularly noteworthy is the speed of his progression. Having earned his FIFA international referee status in 2023, he is now in his fourth year on the international list, yet has already accumulated experience across several major continental assignments.

A GROWING CONTINENTAL RÉSUMÉ

Kasalirwe’s international journey has included appointments at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), staged in 2025 across Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, as well as the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

At CHAN, he was among the Ugandan referees selected by CAF alongside the ever-impressive Shamirah Nabadda, while Ronald Katenya represented the country among the assistant referees.

His involvement in the U-17 AFCON was equally significant. On 4 April 2025, he took charge of the Group D encounter between the Central African Republic and Mali, which ended 2-0 in favor of Mali.

He has also received continental invitations for regional youth competitions, including UNAF U-20 AFCON qualifying assignments. His growing appointment record, which exceeds 15 international matches, demonstrates the confidence being placed in his development as a center referee.

These opportunities expose officials to different football cultures, tactical approaches, competitive pressures and decision-making demands that cannot be replicated through domestic football alone.

TECHNICAL ABILITY AND MODERN REFEREEING

Beyond the number of appointments, Kasalirwe’s development is associated with a strong understanding and interpretation of the Laws of the Game.

His strengths include game management, reading the tempo of matches, interpreting challenging incidents and applying the Laws consistently. His proficiency in video-support procedures and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocols is another important attribute in an era when modern officiating increasingly demands technical competence alongside sound on-field judgement.

Fitness is equally central to his profile. Contemporary elite refereeing requires explosive movement, sustained endurance, positional awareness and the ability to remain close to play throughout demanding encounters.

For a center referee, these qualities are not merely supplementary. They directly influence the quality of decision-making, match control and reliability.

A NEW CHAPTER IN CAF’S PROFESSIONALISATION OF REFEREEING

One of the most significant developments in African refereeing is the emergence of a dedicated elite selection framework that brings center referees and Video Match Officials (VMOs) into focus.

Unlike the conventional presentation of international match officials, which often combines center referees, assistant referees and other officiating personnel, this initiative specifically identifies the center referees and video match officials who form part of the elite professionalization structure.

It is an important development in CAF’s broader ambition to professionalize African refereeing, strengthen technical standards, improve accountability and create a more structured pathway for match officials operating at the highest level.

The framework places Africa’s established center referees in the same conversation with the technical specialists responsible for supporting match decisions through video technology.

Among the notable center referees associated with Africa’s elite officiating landscape are:

• Mustapha Ghorbal

  – Algeria.

• Amin Mohamed Omar

  – Egypt.

• Pierre Ghislain Atcho

  – Gabon.

• Dahane Beida

  – Mauritania.

• Jalal Jayed

  – Morocco.

• Abongile Tom

  – South Africa.

• Omar Abdulkadir Artan

  – Somalia.

• Pacifique Ndabihawenimana

  – Burundi.

• Jean-Jacques Ndala

  – DR Congo.

• Peter Waweru Kamaku

  – Kenya.

These are among the recognizable elite match officials associated with major CAF and international assignments. The wider professionalization framework also recognizes Video Match Officials, whose technical responsibilities have become increasingly important in modern football.

The significance of presenting the list in this manner goes beyond recognition. It signals a shift towards a more deliberate approach to identifying, developing and supporting the officials expected to handle Africa’s biggest football assignments.

For Uganda, Kasalirwe’s reported inclusion represents an opportunity to be part of this evolving continental structure and to stand alongside some of the established names in African refereeing.

Kasalirwe’s elevation into CAF Elite A adds to Uganda’s growing list of officials who have attained significant continental recognition over the past decade.

Uganda’s notable international refereeing representatives include:

1. Mark Ssonko: Assistant Referee, 2014.
2. Brian Miiro Nsubuga: Elite Referee, 2018.
3. Lydia Wanyama Nantabo: Elite Assistant Referee, 2018.
4. Dick Okello: Elite Assistant Referee, 2019.
5. Shamirah Nabadda: Elite Referee, since 2021.
6. Lucky Razake Kasalirwe: Referee, elite since 2026.

THE JOURNEY AHEAD

At 29, Kasalirwe has time on his side. His immediate challenge will be to translate growing continental exposure into consistent performances at the highest level, earn more appointments in CAF interclub competitions and ultimately establish himself among Africa’s most trusted match officials.

For Uganda, this is more than an individual achievement. It is a moment of pride for the country’s refereeing fraternity and an inspiration to young officials who aspire to reach the highest levels of the game.

Once again, Uganda has a reason to celebrate. This time, it is a center referee carrying the country’s flag onto Africa’s elite refereeing stage.

Congratulations, Uganda and Lucky Razake Kasalirwe. Keep raising the Ugandan flag. The continent is watching, and this is only the beginning.

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