On Africa’s biggest football stage, where pressure is unforgiving and every decision is magnified, Shamira Nabbada has stood tall. Calm, composed, and authoritative, she has made history as the first Ugandan female referee to officiate at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. But her presence at the tournament was not a stroke of luck or a symbolic gesture—it was the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and steady progression through the ranks of African football officiating.
Nabbada’s story begins far from the bright lights of AFCON stadiums. Growing up in Uganda, football was a constant part of daily life, woven into communities and conversations alike. While many around her dreamed of playing professionally, Nabbada found herself fascinated by a different aspect of the game—the rules, the flow, and the authority of the referee. What started as curiosity soon became purpose.
Nabbada’s story begins far from the bright lights of AFCON stadiums. Growing up in Uganda, football was a constant part of daily life, woven into communities and conversations alike. While many around her dreamed of playing professionally, Nabbada found herself fascinated by a different aspect of the game—the rules, the flow, and the authority of the referee. What started as curiosity soon became purpose.
Born on 26 September 1995, Nabadda first engaged with football at Masaka Secondary School, where she played as a left-back. During those years, she developed an interest in the rules of the game, which eventually steered her toward refereeing.
Her interest was supported by Abbas Sendyowa, a FUFA delegate and family friend, who encouraged her to pursue the profession seriously. She later joined a refereeing course at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, which opened the path to formal officiating.
In 2016, she obtained her FUFA National Referee badge and became the youngest female centre referee to officiate an Uganda Premier League game the match between KCCA and Masavu. Two years later, in 2018, she earned her FIFA badge, placing her among Uganda’s internationally certified referees.
Her interest was supported by Abbas Sendyowa, a FUFA delegate and family friend, who encouraged her to pursue the profession seriously. She later joined a refereeing course at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, which opened the path to formal officiating.
In 2016, she obtained her FUFA National Referee badge and became the youngest female centre referee to officiate an Uganda Premier League game the match between KCCA and Masavu. Two years later, in 2018, she earned her FIFA badge, placing her among Uganda’s internationally certified referees.
Over the past decade, Nabadda has officiated at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and served at the CAF Women’s Champions League and various CAF youth tournaments. She has also worked as a support referee at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She officiated at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2024 and took charge of matches at CHAN 2024, including the bronze-medal match between Senegal and Sudan. These assignments have contributed to her visibility in CAF and FIFA appointments.
At the CAF Awards Gala in Rabat, Morocco, Nabadda was announced the 2025 CAF Female Referee of the Year.
Beyond AFCON, Shamira Nabbada’s impact extends far beyond the final whistle. She has become a symbol of possibility for young African women who aspire to careers in football officiating.
At the CAF Awards Gala in Rabat, Morocco, Nabadda was announced the 2025 CAF Female Referee of the Year.
Beyond AFCON, Shamira Nabbada’s impact extends far beyond the final whistle. She has become a symbol of possibility for young African women who aspire to careers in football officiating.
