Uganda will be proudly represented by three elite match officials at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with Shamira Nabadda, Lucky Kasalirwe, and Ronald Katenya appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to officiate at the highly anticipated tournament.
CHAN 2024 kicks off on August 2 and will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Shamira Nabadda – Centre Referee
Leading Uganda’s officiating team is Shamira Nabadda, one of the continent’s most respected female referees. A CAF and FIFA-listed official, Nabadda has officiated at top international tournaments, including the CAF Women’s Champions League, the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the Olympic qualifiers, and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Her selection as a centre referee for CHAN 2024 is a well-earned recognition of her composure, consistency, and excellent game management. Nabadda’s presence also highlights CAF’s commitment to promoting gender equality in football officiating.
Beyond her on-field duties, Nabadda is a trailblazer for women in sport, inspiring a new generation of female referees across Africa. Her performance at CHAN will not only reflect Uganda’s growing refereeing stature but also underscore the role of women in shaping African football.
Lucky Kasalirwe – Centre Referee
Also entrusted with centre referee responsibilities is Lucky Kasalirwe, a familiar face in Uganda’s top-tier football. With years of experience officiating in the Uganda Premier League and various CAF competitions, Kasalirwe has earned a reputation for fairness, sharp judgment, and professionalism.
His rise through the refereeing ranks has been steady and impressive. CHAN 2024 presents an opportunity for Kasalirwe to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage and further cement his status among Africa’s top officials.
Kasalirwe’s calm approach and deep understanding of the game make him a valuable asset to the officiating team—and one to watch throughout the tournament.
Ronald Katenya – Assistant Referee
Completing the trio is assistant referee Ronald Katenya, whose precision on the sidelines has made him a standout figure in Ugandan officiating circles. Known for his exceptional offside calls and smooth coordination with centre referees, Katenya has proven his skill at CECAFA events and CAF-sanctioned matches.
His appointment to CHAN 2024 is a reward for years of hard work and consistency. In high-stakes games, the role of an assistant referee is critical—and Katenya’s experience will be instrumental in ensuring fair play and accurate decisions.
With the tournament being partially hosted on home soil, the inclusion of Nabadda, Kasalirwe, and Katenya is a point of national pride. Their presence will not only highlight Uganda’s growing footprint in continental football but also inspire upcoming referees across the region.
As East Africa prepares to welcome the rest of the continent, Uganda’s top officials are ready to take centre stage—not just to enforce the rules, but to elevate the standard of refereeing at CHAN 2024.
