Hailing Shamirah Nabadda: Uganda’s Star Referee Redefining Excellence on the Pitch!

Uganda’s Nabadda Shamirah ” Sheroe of the whistle On African Continent.

Ugandan female referee Shamirah Nabadda currently making a significant impact in the sport. She is among the four celebrated exceptional women referees on the African continent according to CAF Women’s Football.

Four most exceptional Referee Photo courtesy

Shamirah Nabadda 🗣️

“l’m Shamirah Nabadda I don’t just referee, I show up .”

” Discipline starts with the first minute of the day . I wake up talk to God , pray , refresh, make some light breakfast and get prepared for my training. “

Nabadda with Makalima from South Africa

“Being a referee means an impartial guardian of the game . I have to ensure and uphold the laws of the game all time . On the other hand means being a leader, I have to facility safety of the players so that means I have to be accepted. Acceptance starts with my discipline what I show.”

Nabadda Shamirah in action during CAF Women’s Champions League Photo courtesy

“My Envision and goal is to excel as a professional referee officiating top level matches probably tournaments. Also contributing to the development of the game ultimately my goal is leaving a lasting impact on the game and also leaving a legacy as the most respected referee.” She stated . Via CAF Women’s Football.

Photo courtesy

Nabadda breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes, showcasing her expertise and passion for the game , she always enforces the laws of game through ensuring fair play and adherence to the game’s rules and regulations.

She demonstrates strong leadership skills, guiding players , makes crucial decisions, often under pressure to determine the outcome of games.

Nominated at LFA Awards among the best Referees 2024 .

The other three include Akhona Makalima ( South Africa) , Salima Mukasanga ( Rwanda) and Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco) .

A trailblazing Ugandan football referee who made history by becoming the first female referee from Uganda to officiate at Olympic Games.

The CAF Elite A Referee has been making waves in the male dominated field of refereeing with her decisiveness on the pitch made her Uganda Premier League debut in 2016 as KCCA FC took on Masavu FC.

• Officiating at the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations in Morocco
• Being selected for the 2023 African Women’s Champions League in Cote d’Ivoire
• Serving as a support referee at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was one of the four female match officials from Africa
• Officiating at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic from October 6 to November 3, 2024

She is currently officiating at WAFCON tournament in Morocco. Nabadda has been handled tough fixtures at this tournament including the opening match between hosts Morocco against Zambia , Semi final clash between nine time champions Nigeria against South Africa.

Nabadda Shamirah- Photo courtesy

Her curiosity about the game’s rules and her dedication to refereeing have earned her recognition and respect in the football community and she became the first female Uganda referee to officiate the Uganda cup finals on two occasions that is in 2023 & 2025 .

Shamirah Nabadda has inspired many young female referees in the country.