President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been honoured with the CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Award after Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania co-hosted what CAF described as the most successful African Nations Championship tournament in history.
The award was presented in Rabat on Wednesday, during the 2025 CAF Awards, where CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised the three East African leaders for their commitment to the growth of African football through the joint hosting of CHAN 2024.
Kenyan President William Ruto and Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan were also recognised for their contribution to the tournament’s success.
CAF credited the collaborative hosting for improved stadium preparation, stronger logistics and higher operational standards across the three nations.
Notably, the three countries will take on another major task when they co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, and a number of sports infrastructure, including the Hoima City Stadium in Uganda, and the Talanta Sports Stadium in Kenya, are being finalised in that regard.
The recognition strengthens Uganda’s growing influence in continental football and aligns with regional efforts to develop stronger sporting structures.
Meanwhile, in another milestone for Ugandan sport, Shamirah Nabadda was named the 2025 CAF Women’s Referee of the Year.
Her award followed a strong run of international assignments, including officiating at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the 2024 CHAN tournament and the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
The 30-year-old referee has established herself as one of Africa’s leading referees with consistent performances in high-pressure matches.
Nabadda made history at the 2024 Olympics as the first female Ugandan referee to officiate at the Games. She also handled key fixtures at CHAN, including Madagascar against Mauritania and the third-place playoff between Senegal and Sudan.
Her performance at the 2024 WAFCON included the semi-final between Nigeria and South Africa, a match that tested her authority and precision.
The ceremony in Rabat also confirmed Achraf Hakimi as the 2025 African Footballer of the Year.
The Morocco and Paris Saint Germain defender finished ahead of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen after a season in which he played a central role in PSG’s domestic triumph and their first UEFA Champions League title. Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak won the women’s award.
Other awards on the night saw Nigeria’s Super Falcons won the Women’s Team of the Year award, while Chiamaka Nnadozie received the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
