Uganda’s rising referee star Shamirah Nabadda has been crowned the 2025 CAF Women’s Referee of the Year at a colourful ceremony held in Rabat, Morocco.
The 29-year-old FIFA referee earned the prestigious honour after an exceptional year officiating top continental and global tournaments, cementing her status as one of Africa’s finest.
Shamirah Nabadda impressed across major competitions, including the African Nations Championship hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Her consistency and professionalism continue to elevate Uganda’s presence in international football officiating.
She made history in 2024 as the first female Ugandan referee to officiate at the Olympic Games in Paris, marking a major breakthrough for the country.
Nabadda began her journey at Masaka Secondary School, later earning her FUFA National Referee badge in 2016 and the FIFA badge in 2018, rising quickly through the ranks. In the Uganda Premier League, she became the youngest female centre referee at just 23.
Her portfolio includes officiating at the CAF Women’s Champions League, WAFCON, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Olympic qualifiers, and several CAF youth tournaments. In one of her biggest assignments this year, she handled the 2024 WAFCON semi-final between South Africa and Nigeria.
In 2024, FIFA also selected her for the U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, another first for Uganda.
Nabadda’s latest achievement adds to Uganda’s growing influence in global refereeing and continues to inspire young women across the country who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
