Rabat, Morocco — Ugandan football referee Shamirah Nabadda has made history by officiating her first match at the senior men’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), becoming the first Ugandan centre referee to do so since Muhammad Ssegonga in 2010.
Nabadda, born on September 26, 1995, in Mbarara City, officiated the group-stage match between Benin and Botswana on December 27 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Benin won the match 1-0.
Taking to social media, Nabadda shared her excitement, tweeting: “Breaking barriers and blowing whistles! Had an amazing game officiating my first AFCON match as a SHE-referee! 🌟👏 #WomenInFootball #AFCON2025 #Referee.” She later reflected on her growth, adding: “Another match⚽️, another lesson… Grateful for growth🧎➡️🤲🏽 #AFCON2025.”
Nabadda’s journey to the AFCON spotlight has been groundbreaking. She became a FIFA-accredited referee in 2017 and was named CAF Female Referee of the Year in 2025. She began her career after a refereeing course in 2015, having previously played football as a left-back for Masaka Secondary School and Western United in Uganda’s women’s league.
Her resume includes high-profile assignments such as the 2024 Paris Olympics (as a support referee, the first Ugandan woman to do so), FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024, WAFCON tournaments (including a semi-final in 2025), CHAN 2024, and CAF U-20 AFCON 2025.
Known for her calm demeanour on the pitch, Nabadda is the only female centre referee selected for the senior men’s AFCON 2025, signalling a milestone for women in African football officiating.
As of December 29, 2025, the tournament is ongoing, and Nabadda may officiate additional matches. Her debut represents a historic moment for Uganda, women referees, and the broader African football community.
