CHAN 2024: Three Uganda referees named as CAF unveils elite officiating crew

Uganda’s refereeing stars are ready to take center stage at the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed the list of match officials for the East African-hosted showpiece.

Among the 70 elite referees selected for the tournament is Uganda’s own Shamirah Nabadda, who continues to blaze a trail as one of Africa’s most respected female match officials. Her inclusion alongside Morocco’s Bouchra Karboubi marks another historic moment for women in African football, with both set to officiate at the highest level during the tournament scheduled from 2–30 August 2025 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Joining Nabadda on the prestigious list is Lucky Razake Kasalirwe, who earns a deserved call-up as one of the 26 central referees. His technical growth and consistency in domestic and regional competitions make him a reliable choice to handle the high-pressure atmosphere CHAN is known for.

Uganda’s trio of pride is completed by Ronald Katenya, selected as the country’s sole assistant referee for the championship. His appointment underscores Uganda’s growing reputation in producing top-tier assistant referees capable of operating on CAF’s biggest stages.

VAR-Equipped, East Africa-Ready

All referees, assistants, and Video Match Officials (VMOs) are expected to arrive in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Kampala ahead of kickoff for a pre-tournament refereeing camp. The program includes rigorous sessions to align officiating teams with CAF’s latest technology—especially VAR protocols, tactical game reading, and fitness expectations.

With matches set across three host nations and the final match slated for 30 August 2025, this year’s CHAN will not only showcase football talent but also highlight CAF’s officiating evolution, driven by precision, integrity, and advanced tools like VAR.

For Uganda, hosting the tournament and having its referees involved is a double milestone—one that reflects the country’s growing stature both on and off the pitch.

🌍 Full List of Match Officials for CHAN 2024

🧍 Referees (26)

Adissa Abdoul Raphiou Ligali (Benin)

Messie Jessie Oved Nvoulou (Congo)

Kpan Clement Franklin (Côte d’Ivoire)

Malala Kabanga Yannick (DR Congo)

Ahmed Nagy Mosa Mahmoud (Egypt)

Tsegay Teklu Mogos (Eritrea)

Jammeh Lamin N. (Gambia)

Nyagrowa Dickens Mimisa (Kenya)

Ahmed Abdulrazg (Libya)

Diakhate Ousmane (Mali)

Milazare Patrice (Mauritius)

Loutfi Bekouassa (Algeria)

Diouf Adalbert (Senegal)

Jelly Chavani (South Africa)

Ahmed Arajiga (Tanzania)

Aklesso Gnama (Togo)

Melki Mehrez (Tunisia)

Lucky Razake Kasalirwe (Uganda)

Vincent Kabore (Burkina Faso)

Brahamou Sadou Ali (Niger)

Brighton Chimene (Zimbabwe)

Mefire Abdou Abdel (Cameroon)

Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco)

Shamirah Nabadda (Uganda)

Kech Chaf Mustapha (Morocco)

Houssam Benyahya (Algeria)

📏 Assistant Referees (26)

Ngila Guilain Bongele (DR Congo)

Lucky Kegalogetswe (Botswana)

Sanou Habib Judicael Oumar (Burkina Faso)

Emery Niyongabo (Burundi)

Rodrigue Menye Mpele (Cameroon)

Amaldine Soulaimane (Comoros)

Alao Salim (Benin)

Fasika Biru Yehualashet (Ethiopia)

Jawo Abdul Aziz (Gambia)

Addy Roland Nii Dodoo (Ghana)

Mwangi Samuel Kuria (Kenya)

Joel Wonka Doe (Liberia)

Nassiri Hamza (Morocco)

Yacouba Abdoul Aziz (Niger)

Dieudonne Mutuyimana (Rwanda)

Omer Hamid Mohammed Ahmed (Sudan)

Wael Hanachi (Tunisia)

Ronald Katenya (Uganda)

Eleyeh Robleh (Djibouti)

Ettien Eba Medard (Côte d’Ivoire)

Abeigne Ndong Amos (Gabon)

Sirak Samuel (Eritrea)

Ally Hamdani Said (Tanzania)

Malondi Chany (Congo)

Adel Abane (Algeria)

Diana Chikotesha (Zambia)

🎥 Video Match Officials (VMOs) – 18

Mahmoud Ashour (Egypt)

Dahane Beida (Mauritania)

Lahlou Benbraham (Algeria)

Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia)

Samir Guezzaz (Morocco)

Hamza El Fariq (Morocco)

Issa Sy (Senegal)

Atcho Prierre Ghislain (Gabon)

Daniel Lareya (Ghana)

Abongile Tom (South Africa)

Yasir Abdalaziz (Sudan)

Viana Letticia (Eswatini)

Maria Rivet (Mauritius)

Akhona Makalima (South Africa)

Stephen Yiembe (Kenya)

Atezambong Fomo Carine (Cameroon)

Jermoumi Fatiha (Morocco)

Ghorbal Mustapha (Algeria)