Ugandan refereeing continues to earn continental respect as three of the country’s top officials — Shamira Nabadda, Lucky Kasalirwe and Ronald Katenya were named by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) among the elite list of match officials set to officiate at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The prestigious tournament, reserved for players featuring in their respective national domestic leagues, will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania from August 1st to 30th, 2025, marking the first-ever CHAN edition to be jointly hosted by three nations.
And with Uganda as one of the hosts, the appointment of three of its own officials to the tournament adds a glowing endorsement to the country’s growing reputation in the refereeing landscape.
Trailblazing Shamira Nabadda – Centre Referee
Leading the Ugandan trio is Shamira Nabadda, who remains one of the most recognized female referees on the continent. A CAF and FIFA-accredited referee, Nabadda has previously handled matches at several high-profile tournaments including the CAF Women’s Champions League, the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Olympics and World Cup qualifiers.
Her appointment as a centre referee at CHAN 2024 is a testament to her consistent performances, composure under pressure, and command of the game. It also reaffirms CAF’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion and rewarding excellence regardless of gender.
Nabadda has become a role model for aspiring female referees in Uganda and beyond, breaking barriers in a sport historically dominated by men. Her presence at CHAN will be one to watch — symbolizing not just representation, but competence at the highest level.
Lucky Kasalirwe – Centre Referee
Joining her on the central whistle duty is Lucky Kasalirwe, another experienced and technically sound referee whose performances on the domestic and continental stage have not gone unnoticed.
Kasalirwe has steadily risen through the ranks of Uganda’s refereeing structure, consistently officiating key Uganda Premier League clashes and performing admirably in regional CAF competitions. His selection for CHAN 2024 crowns a period of continued growth and development, validating the Uganda Football Referees Association’s efforts to produce world-class match officials.
Known for his strong game-reading ability and calm demeanor, Kasalirwe’s inclusion will offer him a platform to further cement his place among Africa’s best.
Ronald Katenya – Assistant Referee
Ronald Katenya completes the Ugandan trio and will serve as an assistant referee, a role he has executed with precision and professionalism over the years. Katenya has earned a solid reputation on the lines, with excellent flag discipline, sharp offside judgments, and seamless coordination with his centre referees.
His appointment to the CHAN tournament represents the reward of years of dedication, including assignments in regional CECAFA tournaments and CAF competitions. At CHAN, Katenya will bring his experience to bear in crucial match situations where the accuracy of assistant referees can define games.
A New Era for Ugandan Officiating
The trio’s selection is not just a personal victory, but a significant milestone for Ugandan football and the Uganda Football Referees Association (UFRA). It reflects years of investment in referee development and signals that Uganda can now supply top-level officiating talent to the African stage.
With CHAN 2024 set to be played on home soil, the presence of Nabadda, Kasalirwe, and Katenya will serve as a point of pride for the Ugandan football fraternity and an inspiration for the next generation of match officials.
As the region prepares to welcome Africa to East Africa for the month-long football festival, these three officials will have the task of not only enforcing the laws of the game but also showcasing Uganda’s refereeing class to the entire continent.
