
Shamirah Nabadda is one of the best referees we have in the startimes uganda premier League so far.
Born and raised in Mbarara. She is the third born of Quraish Mutagubya and Mastula Birungi.
• The passion for refereeing was ignited during her secondary school days at Masaka S.S where she was part of the school football team.
• Nabadda graduated to play as a left back for Western United in the top-flight women’s league (FWEL).
• Credit to the late Abbas Sendyowa who groomed Nabadda. He was a close family friend and FUFA delegate for Mbarara.
• In 2015 shortly after she completed S6, Sendyowa recommended her to attend a refereeing course at the Fufa technical centre in Njeru.
• The one month there was enough to convince Nabadda to change the course of her football career.
• By 2016, Nabadda had gained acceptance and found her footing in the sport. That is how she ended up officiating at the Copa Coca-Cola schools tournament.
• That very year, she was voted the best referee from the national schools football championship for girls.
• Nabadda completed a remarkable season by attaining the FUFA badge, the highest level for domestic referees.
• She was promoted to officiate in the FUFA Big League.
• In January 2018, Nabadda was elevated to the Uganda Premier League.
• 28 February 2018, she became the youngest ever female centre referee to officiate a top-flight match in Ugandan football, in a goalless draw between KCCA and Masavu FC.
• Same year she travelled to Cairo, Egypt, for an upgrade refereeing course.
• Still in 2018 Nabadda got her first international assignment and travelled to South Africa to officiate the South Africa versus Lesotho match in the African Women’s Championship qualifier.
• Nabadda has since handled;
– Airtel Rising Stars
– Schools football Tournaments
– FUFA Competitions
– All Africa Games 2023
– CECAFA Women Senior Championship
– University Games in Napoli, Italy (2019)
– WAFCON
– CAF Women Champions League Final Tournament
– Olympic Games
– CAF Women Champions League CECAFA Zonal qualifiers
• Nabadda will officiate at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place in the Dominican Republic from 16 October to 3 November 2024.
Let’s give Nabadda Shamirah the recognition she deserves.🇺🇬