Okello clinches inaugural CAF Safety and Security accolade, humbled for achievement

Dixon Adol Okello’s star continues to shine brightest with the latest recognition as the best CAF safety and security officer on the African land.

Okello was recognized with a special award during the first ever retreat for CAF Safety and Security Officers held in the Cameroon city of Douala.

This retreat was held between 22^nd – 25^th April 2021, organized by the CAF Safety and Security Department under the theme line “Promoting Sport Safety and Security in Africa”.

I thank God for this big achievement. It is humbling to win such an award, the first of its kind by CAF. I am very happy because this award not only motivates me as a person, but also, the other officers duly lined up to serve and those yet to come up.
Dixon Adol Okello, Best CAF Safety and Security officer

The award was given to Okello given his effortless endeavours during assignments by CAF and Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).

Okello has also come up with a program to train stadium stewards and match officers in his native country, Uganda, something envisaged as a non-selfish act meant to ensure continuity of such services even when he retires from active service.

It took the consultation of general match coordinators, match assessors, outstanding African referees, commissioners and top CAF officials on the choice of the recipient; all of whom agreed in unison that Okello duly deserves this accolade.

“When all groups of people concur that I deserve such an award, it is a complete blessing and glad that my outstanding work is recognized” Okello added.

Dixon Adol Okello during the operations at the 2019 AFCON final between Uganda and Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium.

Okello scoffs at critics:

Okello is a well known personality best remembered not to mince words.

Upon this latest achievement, he has since scoffed at his critics, encouraging them to come and share ideas than mere castigating.

“The Fitina lads (ill-intentioned people) have to agree and look for me for consultations than engaging in cat-fights. I am here to serve the beautiful game” Okello advised.

Besides the FIFA U-20 and U-17 World Cup finals in Poland and Brazil respectively, Okello has also officiated at the 2019 AFCON grand finals (Egypt), other CAF competitions and traversed the entire continent from Rabat to Cape Town, all-in service to ensure tranquil environs during matches proper.

Uganda had a strong representation at this retreat with a delegation of four people.

Besides Okello, Uganda also had the likes of Hajji Jamil Ssewanyana (Mandela National Stadium – Namboole manager), Hajji Abdul Lukooya Ssekabira (FUFA Executive committee member) and Humphrey Mandu Watenga (FUFA Deputy Chief Executive Officer).