CAF’s Appointment of Ali Tomusange: A Triumph for Merit, Experience, and African Refereeing

The appointment of Ali Tomusange as a member of the CAF Referees Committee marks not only a personal milestone for one of Uganda’s most decorated referees but also a significant step forward for Uganda, the CECAFA region, and African refereeing at large. It is a decision rooted in merit, experience, and technical competence qualities that Tomusange has embodied throughout his distinguished career on and off the pitch.

For years, Uganda has struggled to fully utilize Tomusange’s vast expertise. Despite his impressive record officiating at the 2000 Olympics, the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and numerous Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, he was limited to relatively modest roles at home, such as serving as a member of the referees’ development and assessment panel and vice-chairman of the referees’ disciplinary committee. These positions, while important, did not fully tap into his immense technical and strategic potential.

In contrast, CAF’s visionary leadership, under President Patrice Motsepe, has recognized the need to place experienced, technically gifted, and selfless individuals in key positions. The new CAF Referees Committee, led by Olivier Safari Kabene (Congo DR) as President and Victor Gomes (South Africa) as Vice President, reflects a careful selection based on competence and integrity rather than politics.

CAF Referees Committee Members

President / Vice-President

• President: Olivier Safari Kabene (Congo DR)
• Vice-President: Victor Miguel De Freitas Gomes (South Africa)

Members

CECAFA Region
• Uganda: Ali Tomusange (English)
• Ethiopia: Lidya Tafessa (English)
COSAFA Region
• Angola: Inacio Candido (Portuguese)
• Zambia: Janny Sikazwe (English)
UFOA/WAFU A
• Senegal: Fatou Gaye (French)
• Mauritania: Lemghaifry Bouchaab (French)
UFOA/WAFU B
• Côte d’Ivoire: Sinko Zeli (French)
• Nigeria: Irabor Faith Uwugiaren (English)
UNAF
• Morocco: Hadqa Yahya (French & Arabic)
• Algeria: Djamel Haimoudi (French & Arabic)

A Selfless Servant of the Game

Those who have worked closely with Ali Tomusange describe him as a candid, principled, and merit-based leader. His decisions have always been guided by fairness, not favouritism. As vice-chairman of Uganda’s referees’ disciplinary panel, he designed a progressive sanction system that focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Referees under his guidance often returned to the field reformed and motivated, a testament to his belief in building, not breaking, talent.

Tomusange’s strength lies in his humility and willingness to listen, regardless of rank or age. He is known for allowing every referee to grow through learning and self-discipline. His leadership style, firm yet nurturing, has earned him respect across Africa.

Technically, Tomusange stands among Uganda’s finest. His command of the Laws of the Game, deep understanding of match management, and ability to mentor others make him an invaluable resource. Over the past 15 years, few Ugandan referees have matched his level of continuous learning, adaptability to new technologies, and fluency in both written and spoken communication

A Missed Opportunity for Uganda but a Gain for Africa

Many in Uganda’s football circles remain puzzled as to how a figure of Tomusange’s calibre was never given a strategic leadership role within the FUFA Referees Committee, such as Referees Manager or Chairman.

Countries with strong refereeing traditions like England with Howard Webb, Italy with Pierluigi Collina, Hungary with Viktor Kassai, or Rwanda with Celestine Ntagungira, Victor Gomes who has done tremendous work back home in South Africa have long recognized the value of retaining their retired elite referees in top administrative and developmental positions. Uganda, unfortunately, lagged behind in this regard.

Now, with CAF entrusting him with this continental role, Uganda has a second chance not to control him politically, but to support him technically. His success on the CAF committee will directly benefit Ugandan referees, offering them exposure, mentorship, and pathways to international recognition.

A Step Toward a Stronger Future for African Refereeing

Ali Tomusange’s appointment is far greater than an individual achievement. It symbolizes a renewed era for African refereeing, one led by individuals of integrity, expertise, and selflessness.

CAF’s current leadership deserves credit for assembling a team based on merit, experience, and vision. What this team now needs is time, trust, and resources to unleash their full potential.

With professionals like Tomusange on board, Africa is set not only to develop referees who can meet global demands but also to redefine the standards of officiating excellence across the world.