Ugandan referee Shamirah Nabadda, aged 29 will take charge of today’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) third-place playoff between Sudan and Senegal at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m.
Nabadda’s rise in refereeing has been nothing short of remarkable. She handled her first top-flight game in 2016 during a Ugandan Premier League clash between KCCA and Masavu, the same year she earned her FUFA badge. Just two years later, she had already secured her FIFA badge, which opened doors to World Cup qualifiers and continental tournaments.
Her defining breakthrough came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she became the first Ugandan woman — and only the second Ugandan overall since Ali Tomusange in 2000 — to officiate at the Games. That historic feat made her a household name back home and established her as one of Africa’s most promising referees.
“The last three years have been simply superb for me. I have made so many achievements and I am really proud. Looking back, I don’t regret switching from playing to refereeing,” Nabadda reflected.
Her authority and calmness under pressure have earned her respect on some of the biggest stages. At the WAFCON semi-final between Nigeria and South Africa, she drew plaudits for controlling a tense, high-stakes contest with composure.
More recently, she has embraced the challenge of officiating men’s football at CHAN.
“This is a nice experience, but still challenging,” she admitted. “The competition is really tough and intense, and physically you have to be at the same level as men. It requires constant growth — learning, unlearning, and pushing your limits.”
Her candid reflections also reveal the daily battles of the job.
“Men are stubborn compared to women,” she said with a smile. “As a female referee, I need personality and presence. The boys can be crazy — one small thing and they’re all on you with pressure and words. You need to manage that calmly.”
With her whistle in hand and her reputation growing, Nabadda continues to blaze a trail for Ugandan referees on the continental stage.
