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Uganda’s Shamira Nabadda Lands AFCON 2025 Appointment: What to Know About Her Rise
As anticipation builds for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) in Morocco, one name is generating global attention beyond the players and coaches, Shamira Nabadda, the only female centre referee appointed for the tournament. Her selection is not just a milestone for Uganda but a landmark moment for African football, where the winds of change and representation are finally beginning to blow stronger. With 28 central referees chosen for the prestigious tournament, Nabadda stands alone as the sole woman entrusted with this high-pressure role, making her one of the most compelling figures to watch at AFCON 2025.
A Historic Appointment for AFCON 2025
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently released its full list of match officials for the upcoming tournament, revealing a lineup dominated by male referees. Yet among them, Shamira Nabadda name stands out as a symbol of progress. Her appointment underscores CAF’s increasing commitment to inclusivity, and even more importantly, reflects her hard-earned rise through the ranks.
Being selected as the only female centre referee at a tournament of this scale is a powerful statement. It signals CAF’s confidence in her expertise, authority, and ability to manage high-stakes matches. It also places her under the brightest spotlight she has faced so far in her career, a spotlight she has proven ready for.
From Humble Beginnings to Continental Recognition
Early Growth and Rapid Ascent
Shamira Nabadda journey began in Uganda, where she first stepped into refereeing as a young student. By 2016, she had already earned her FUFA national badge, demonstrating exceptional promise. Her rise was swift and purposeful; in 2018, she received her FIFA badge, catapulting her into the international refereeing arena earlier than most of her peers.
Breaking Barriers in Ugandan Football
At only Shamira Nabadda became the youngest female centre referee to officiate in the Uganda Premier League. Her confident officiating style, composed presence under pressure, and sound judgment earned her respect across Uganda’s competitive football landscape. She has since handled major domestic fixtures, including cup finals and high-profile league clashes, steadily building a reputation as one of East Africa’s most reliable referees.
Stepping onto the Global Stage
Her expertise has not gone unnoticed internationally. Shamira Nabadda has officiated at several global and continental competitions, including the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, where she became the first Ugandan woman to officiate at the Games. Her assignments across CAF championships, women’s tournaments, youth World Cups, and the African Nations Championship (CHAN) reflect her growing status as one of the continent’s trusted referees.
Recognition and Awards
Shamira Nabadda consistency and command on the field were celebrated when she was named CAF Women’s Referee of the Year 2025. This accolade placed her among Africa’s top-performing officials and further cemented her reputation ahead of AFCON 2025.
The Weight and Meaning of Her AFCON Appointment
A Symbol of Representation
Shamira Nabadda presence at AFCON 2025 is more than an individual achievement, it is a step toward breaking long-standing barriers in African football. For decades, top-tier refereeing at AFCON has been dominated by men. Her inclusion sends a clear message: talent, merit, and professionalism know no gender.
Inspiration for Future Generations
Across the continent, thousands of young girls and aspiring female referees now have someone to look up to - someone who shows that the dream is possible. Nabadda’s journey is likely to inspire greater participation, shifting perceptions about what roles women can hold in football.
A Test of Excellence on Football Biggest African Stage
AFCON is one of the most watched sporting events in the world. Fans are passionate, matches are intense, and stakes are high. Every referee faces incredible pressure, and for Shamira Nabadda, the expectations are even higher. Her performance will not only shape her reputation but may influence how female referees are viewed across Africa for years to come.
What to Expect from Her at AFCON 2025
Shamira Nabadda arrives at AFCON with a refined understanding of fairness, courage, and game management. Her calm yet authoritative presence is likely to prove valuable in matches where tensions rise and emotions run high. As the only woman among the officiating team of central referees, her assignments will be closely followed by fans, media outlets, and football professionals across the continent.
Her performance could set a benchmark for future inclusion of women in central refereeing roles at Africa’s biggest tournaments, potentially opening the door for more female referees at AFCON editions to come.
Final Thoughts: A Whistle, a Voice, and a New Era for African Football
Shamira Nabadda selection for AFCON 2025 is a victory not only for Uganda but for the entire continent. She represents excellence, determination, and the gradual but undeniable shift toward gender equality in African sport. As the tournament unfolds in Morocco, her presence will serve as a reminder that progress is possible, change is real, and the future of African football is brighter with voices and talents like hers shaping it.
AFCON 2025 will showcase Africa’s best players, but it will also showcase a referee whose story continues to inspire. Shamira Nabadda is not just a referee to watch; she is a pioneering figure rewriting the script of representation in African football.
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About the Author
Praise Graciebby is a content creator on Essie Book Blog, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.
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