RABAT, Morocco – While the eyes of the continent are fixed on the stars of African football, Uganda has produced a history-maker of a different kind. Shamirah Nabadda has officially become the first Ugandan woman to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, taking charge of the Group Stage clash between Benin and Botswana on Saturday.
Officiating at the Olympic Annex Stadium in Rabat, the 30-year-old delivered a masterclass in game management as Benin secured a 1-0 victory.
Her debut on the men’s senior continental stage is not just a personal milestone, but a landmark moment for Ugandan sports.
A Meteoric Rise to the Top
Nabadda’s journey to the AFCON whistle is a story of grit and transformation. Originally a talented left-back for Masaka Secondary School and Western United, she traded her football boots for a whistle in 2015.
Since earning her FIFA badge in 2018, her rise has been nothing short of spectacular. Known for her elite physical fitness and calm authority, she has quickly become a favorite of CAF and FIFA assignors.
Her historic debut in Morocco comes just weeks after she was crowned the 2025 CAF Women’s Referee of the Year—the first Ugandan to ever receive the prestigious award.
A Resume of Excellence
Nabadda was the only Ugandan official selected for AFCON 2025, a testament to her standing among the elite. Her appearance in Morocco follows a string of high-profile assignments that have prepared her for this moment:
The 2024 Paris Olympics: Where she broke ground as the first Ugandan woman to officiate at the Games.
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Handling high-pressure matches in the Dominican Republic.
WAFCON & CHAN: Consistently ranking among the top-performing officials in Africa’s major tournaments.
The “Iron Lady” Standard
In a field traditionally dominated by men, Nabadda—often dubbed the “Iron Lady” for her no-nonsense officiating style—has proven that excellence knows no gender.
By handling the Benin vs. Botswana fixture with such precision, she has opened doors for future generations of Ugandan officials.
As the tournament progresses, Nabadda remains a symbol of Ugandan excellence in Morocco, reminding the world that the Pearl of Africa produces world-class talent both on the pitch and in the center circle.
Shamirah Nabadda: Fast Facts
Hometown: Mbarara, Uganda.
Age: 30.
Career Start: Switched from playing to refereeing in 2015.
FIFA Badge: Attained in 2018.
Major Honors: CAF Women’s Referee of the Year (2025).
