By Patricia Nakayima

For many years, refereeing football in Africa has been a man’s job, with few women entrusted to handle high-pressure matches in the continent’s biggest tournaments. This dominance has been challenged by Ugandan referee Shamira Nabadda after her selection to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, taking place in Morocco.

She is the only Ugandan among the 73 referees appointed for the tournament and one of the 28 centre referees shortlisted. Her first game at AFCON was between Benin and Botswana, which ended 1:0.

This isn’t her first appearance at a major international tournament. Nabadda has officiated across several high-profile competitions, including the CHAN Tournament, CAF Women’s Champions League, Olympic qualifiers, World University Games, FIFA World Cup qualification matches, and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Earlier this year, she handled a tense semifinal encounter between Nigeria and South Africa at WAFCON, further affirming her ability to manage matches under immense pressure.

Her journey in officiating began after completing a refereeing course at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru in 2015. She then became an active referee in the FUFA Elite Women’s League and earned her FUFA badge the same year. In 2016, started with school competitions before progressing to national leagues.

Two years later, she attained the FIFA badge and received her first international assignment in the African Women’s Championship qualifiers between South Africa and Lesotho.

Despite her steady rise, Nabadda admits that working in a male-dominated space has often come with challenges, including disrespect. However, she credits her family for playing a crucial role in her success.

In a past interview with a local Ugandan newspaper, she expressed gratitude for the support she received from her parents, Quraish Mutagubya and Mastula Birungi, saying every member of her family contributed to her upbringing and journey.

Born in 1995, Nabadda’s connection to football started early. She began playing the sport in 2008 while at Masaka Secondary School and later joined Western United FC in the FUFA Elite Women’s League in 2012 before transitioning into refereeing. She is also an academic achiever, having graduated with a degree in Social Work and Social Psychology from Bishop Stuart University in 2019.

Her achievements have earned her continental recognition, including being named CAF Referee of the Year.

As African football continues to evolve, Nabadda’s presence at AFCON as a referee is a powerful statement on gender equality in Uganda’s sport.