Referees in the Uganda Premier League have gone the whole season without being paid. As the football season comes to an end, this news has caused a lot of concern. The story was first reported by SportsNation, who spoke with some of the referees.

The referees say they have not received any money for working at matches during the 2024/25 season. Even though they have been traveling, spending time away from their families, and making sure the games are fair, they have not seen a single payment.

This is a big problem—not just for the referees, but for Ugandan football as a whole.

Referees Are Important, But Forgotten

Referees are very important in football because they make sure the game is fair. They blow the whistle, give yellow and red cards, and stop fights on the field. They help keep the match safe and under control. Without referees, the game would be messy and unfair.

But in Uganda, it seems like referees are being forgotten.

According to SportsNation, referees in the Uganda Premier League have not received any payments for their officiating duties throughout the 2024/25 season. Several officials have reportedly had to cover their own transport, meals, and other personal expenses in order to fulfill matchday assignments.

One referee told SportsNation, “We are doing our best to help the game, but no one is helping us. It’s really hard.”

New Rule Made Things Worse

As if not getting paid wasn’t bad enough, the referees were also told they had to buy their own uniforms before the season started. In September 2023, FUFA (the football group that runs the sport in Uganda) said all referees had to buy a full kit.

The kit included a shirt, shorts, socks, whistle, and cards. It cost 100,000 Ugandan shillings (around $26 USD), and they had to buy it from a company called JANZI.

For many referees, this was a big problem. They already weren’t being paid, and now they were being told to spend more money—just to keep working. Some even said the kits were poor quality and didn’t last long.

“We are not even getting paid,” one referee said. “Why do we have to spend our own money to buy these things?”

Others asked why they were only allowed to buy from one supplier and said they should have a choice.

Money Problems Could Affect the Game

When referees don’t get paid, it can cause big problems for football. Some people are scared that referees might take money from fans, teams, or gamblers. If a referee has no money, they might agree and make bad or unfair calls in the game.

This is called match-fixing, and it’s a very bad and serious thing in sports.

If referees don’t feel supported or respected, they might not want to do the job anymore. They could stop doing it well or stop coming to matches at all.

This could make matches unfair, dangerous, or not enjoyable to watch. Fans could lose trust in the league, and football in Uganda could lose its good name.

Referees Speak Out

Referees have started speaking out about how they are treated. Many say they love football and want to help the sport grow. But they also need to earn a living and take care of their families.

“Being a referee is not easy,” one official said. “We are out there in the sun, running for 90 minutes, dealing with angry fans and players. We take a lot of abuse. And then we go home with nothing.”

Some referees are thinking about quitting. Others say they might not come back next season if things don’t change.

“If FUFA doesn’t do something soon, they will lose a lot of good referees,” one person warned.

Clubs and Fans Are Also Worried

This issue has upset more than just the referees. Some football clubs and fans are also speaking up. They say referees deserve to be treated better and should be paid on time.

“Referees are part of the football family,” said a club coach. “You can’t just forget about them.”

Some fans also said that if referees are not treated fairly, the league could suffer. “No one will trust the results if they think the referees are unhappy or being pressured,” one fan wrote online.

What Should Be Fixed?

A lot of people think FUFA should solve this problem quickly. They want referees to get the money they’ve already worked for and to be paid on time from now on.

They also want clearer communication. Some referees said they don’t even know why they haven’t been paid. FUFA hasn’t told them what’s going on or given any updates.

There are also calls for FUFA to help cover the cost of referee kits or at least offer choices on where to buy them.

Paying referees fairly and treating them with respect is important.

A Wake-Up Call for Ugandan Football

This is a clear warning to everyone in Ugandan football. It shows that the people who keep the game going need better care and support.

Referees are very important in football. Without them the game can’t happen. They should be respected, helped and paid fairly for what they do.

Let’s hope the people in charge listen and make things better before it’s too late.

This report is based on original reporting by SportsNation, who spoke with referees and brought this important issue to light.

Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé are battling for football’s crown in 2025. Dive into their stats, storylines, and what’s at stake in this epic rivalry. Who’s ruling the pitch?

Haaland vs. Mbappé: Who’s Football’s King in 2025?

Football fans love a good rivalry, and in 2025, the battle between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé is the one everyone’s talking about. As millions check all today livescore mobile updates, these two superstars continue to dominate headlines, filling the void left by legends like Messi and Ronaldo. But who’s honestly sitting on football’s throne this year? Let’s break down this electrifying duel’s stats, storylines, and stakes.

The Numbers Game: Goals, Assists, and Impact

When it comes to raw numbers, both Haaland and Mbappé are rewriting record books. Haaland, the 24-year-old Norwegian machine at Manchester City, is a goal-scoring juggernaut. In the 2024/25 season, he’s netted 30 goals in 40 games, with a goals-per-match ratio of 0.75. His physicality and knack for finding the net make him a nightmare for defenders. Meanwhile, Mbappé, now 26 and dazzling for Real Madrid, has 32 goals in 49 games, plus a flair for creating chances with 4 assists. His versatility—cutting in from the left, drifting centrally, or sprinting past defenders—gives him an edge in playmaking.

But stats only tell part of the story. Haaland’s efficiency is unmatched; he scores every 90 minutes on average, while Mbappé’s broader contributions (every 77 minutes for a goal or assist) highlight his all-around game. If you’re a fan of pure strikers, Haaland’s your guy. If you love a dynamic forward who can do it all, Mbappé might steal your vote.

Head-to-Head: Champions League Showdowns

Legends are made in The UEFA Champions League, and both players have had their moments. Haaland lifted the trophy with Manchester City in 2022/23 and was the competition’s top scorer in 2020/21 at just 20 years old. Mbappé, despite reaching the final with PSG in 2020, is still chasing that elusive Champions League crown. Their head-to-head clashes are pure drama. Haaland’s two goals for Dortmund in the 2019/20 round of 16 gave them a first-leg win, but Mbappé’s PSG roared back. Fast forward to 2024/25, and Mbappé’s hat-trick in a 3-1 Real Madrid victory over City left fans buzzing.

The Intangibles: Trophies, Leadership, and Global Appeal

Trophies matter, and here’s where the debate gets spicy. Mbappé’s cabinet boasts a 2018 World Cup, six Ligue 1 titles, and a UEFA Nations League. His international pedigree gives him a slight edge, especially since Haaland’s Norway hasn’t qualified for a major tournament. But Haaland’s Treble with City (Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup) in 2022/23 shows he can deliver on the biggest stages.

Off the pitch, Mbappé’s charisma and fluency in Spanish have made him a global icon, especially after his move to Real Madrid. Haaland has a cult following with his quirky personality and “zen” celebrations but trails Mbappé’s 72.6 million Instagram followers (Haaland’s at 17.4 million). Social media clout isn’t everything, but it reflects their marketability.

Storylines to Watch in 2025

• Ballon d’Or Race: With Rodri sidelined, the 2025 Ballon d’Or is wide open. Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid puts him in the spotlight, but Haaland’s goal-scoring spree could sway voters. Who’llmakethebiggercase?
• Club Success: Can Mbappé finally win the Champions League with Madrid? Will Haaland power City to another title? Their clubs’ fortunes are tied to their performances.
• International Stage: Mbappé, as France’s captain, has a chance to shine in World Cup qualifiers. Haaland’s Norway faces an uphill battle, but a breakout moment could shift perceptions.

Who’s the King?

Choosing between Haaland and Mbappé is like picking your favourite superhero—they’re phenomenal but bring different strengths. Haaland’s a goal-scoring cyborg, relentless and clinical. Mbappé’s a magician, blending speed, skill, and vision. For fans tracking live scores, results and fixtures, 2025 has become the ultimate showdown season – Mbappé might have a slight edge due to his versatility and international success, but Haaland’s not far behind. Their rivalry is just heating up, and with every match update, we’re reminded why we’re the real winners.

Among the many beloved pastimes in the Philippines, few activities are as deeply rooted in tradition and camaraderie as playing card games. They’ve long been a staple of Filipino social life—gathering friends, family, and neighbors around a table for hours of laughter, strategy, and friendly competition. Of all the local card games, none has captured the Filipino spirit more than Tongits Go. And in the digital age, Tongits Go has emerged as its most prominent modern incarnation, becoming the centerpiece of the online card gaming movement in the country.

But what exactly makes Tongits Go the heart of Filipino online card gaming? To answer that, we need to explore not only the game’s current popularity on platforms like GameZone Philippines but also its cultural roots, accessibility, competitive appeal, and digital community.

The Origins and Popularity of Traditional Tongits

Before Tongits Go became a household name in mobile gaming, Tongits already held a firm place in Filipino culture. Believed to have originated in Pangasinan in the 1980s, this three-player card game is a relative of other draw-and-discard games like Poker and Rummy. It’s played using a standard 52-card deck, and the goal is to either deplete your cards, force your opponents to fold, or end with the lowest score when the cards run out.

Tongits is known for its fast-paced action and strategic gameplay, which includes drawing and discarding, melding sets and runs, and watching out for opportunities to call “Draw” or “Fight.” The game blends intuition, memory, and bluffing, making it as mentally engaging as it is socially fun.

Its flexible setup—requiring only three players and a deck of cards—made it ideal for impromptu sessions during fiestas, reunions, or lazy afternoons in Filipino homes. In many ways, playing Tongits became a shared language among generations, bridging gaps between young and old through the joy of gaming.

Bringing the Tradition Online Through Tongits Go

Enter Tongits Go—the mobile game that brought this treasured pastime into the digital age. Available through platforms like GameZone PH, Tongits Go takes everything Filipinos love about the classic game and reimagines it for a tech-savvy generation. The app replicates the traditional gameplay mechanics while enhancing the overall experience with crisp graphics, customizable avatars, and a user-friendly interface.

What makes Tongits Go especially appealing is how seamlessly it adapts the real-life game for mobile play without losing the elements of familiarity. Players from across the Philippines—or even from overseas—can engage in real-time matches with just a few taps on their phones. It offers an intuitive way to enjoy a culturally significant card game in a modern context.

Accessible Gaming for Every Juan and Juana

One of the most significant advantages of Tongits Go is its unparalleled accessibility. With a stable internet connection and a smartphone, players can dive into the game wherever they are—at home, on a bus, or on a break at work.

This level of convenience has made Tongits Go especially popular among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Being away from home is never easy, but playing Tongits Go offers them a chance to stay connected to a piece of their heritage. It’s more than just a pastime—it’s a comforting reminder of home and community.

GameZone Philippines has made the game even more inclusive, with options for beginners and advanced players alike. From tutorial modes to high-stakes tables, there’s a place for everyone on the app.

A Platform for Competition and Rewards

While the original version of Tongits was played for bragging rights (and sometimes small bets), Tongits Go adds an exciting layer of competitive incentives that appeal to today’s gamers. Players can climb leaderboards, earn in-game currency, collect badges, and qualify for tournaments hosted by GameZone PH.

There’s also the thrill of cash tournaments, where skilled players compete not just for pride but for real-world rewards. These events are structured with transparency and fairness, ensuring a level playing field for all participants. The opportunity to earn while playing adds motivation for players to hone their skills and stay active in the game.

What was once a casual barkadahan pastime is now a digital sport in its own right.

A Digital Community Built on Filipino Spirit

Tongits Go isn’t just about playing cards—it’s about forming connections. Much like its traditional counterpart, the game thrives on social interaction. GameZone has built a strong in-app community, complete with chat features, friend lists, and multiplayer tables that mimic the warm, friendly vibe of a typical Filipino game night.

Whether you’re challenging a friend from the next barangay or making new connections across the country, Tongits Go helps build digital friendships grounded in a shared love for Filipino gaming culture. The app’s user base is incredibly diverse, but everyone is united by one thing: the joy of Tongits.

Even solo players don’t feel alone, thanks to dynamic matchmaking that places you at a table with real players of similar skill levels.

Fair Play and Consistent Innovation

GameZone’s dedication to fair gameplay and constant updates is another reason why Tongits Go has risen to the top. The developers prioritize a cheat-free environment through robust security features and monitoring systems. This builds trust and ensures that everyone, regardless of skill or investment, gets a fair shot.

Beyond security, the game is continuously improved with new features, limited-time events, seasonal rewards, and gameplay enhancements. These updates keep players engaged and ensure that no two weeks in Tongits Go are ever the same.

It’s a modern ecosystem that listens to its community and evolves alongside it.

Tradition Meets Technology

Perhaps what makes Tongits Go so iconic is its ability to balance cultural tradition with technological innovation. While the look and feel of the game have been updated, the spirit remains authentically Filipino. It’s a perfect example of how homegrown games can thrive in the digital world without losing their roots.

In doing so, Tongits Go has also introduced younger generations to a game their parents and grandparents played long before apps existed. It bridges generational gaps and ensures the legacy of Filipino card gaming lives on.

Conclusion: More Than a Game, a Cultural Phenomenon

In a mobile gaming landscape filled with international titles and foreign mechanics, Tongits Go holds its own as a proudly local favorite. It doesn’t just represent a game—it represents heritage, unity, and progress.

By transforming a classic Filipino card game into a dynamic online experience, Tongits Go has established itself as the heart of Filipino online card gaming. Whether you’re a returning player wanting to relive the old days or a newcomer eager to explore a part of Filipino culture, Tongits Go welcomes everyone to the table.

And thanks to GameZone PH, the future of Filipino card games is brighter, more connected, and more exciting than ever before.