When Shadia Nambasa leapt into the Oslo sky and buried a header past Mexico’s goalkeeper, sealing Uganda’s 6-0 triumph in the Homeless World Cup final, the roar of victory carried far beyond the pitch.
For Uganda, it was a first-ever women’s title on the global stage. For Shadia, it was the culmination of a journey that began not in stadiums or academies, but in a cramped compound in Kansanga, where she played barefoot with her brothers.
“My football journey began not on a pitch, but in our small compound,” she says.
“As the only girl, I had to keep up. That’s where my love for the game started. It was just our way of life.”
A CHILDHOOD OF IMPROVISATION
Support didn’t come easily. Her first jersey and boots were gifts from her aunt, Hafsa Nakajubi, who raised her. When money ran out, Hafsa cut trousers into makeshift shorts, shielding Shadia from neighbours who sneered at her for “behaving like a spoiled girl” by playing with boys.
“She gave me everything,” Shadia recalls, her voice softening. “Without her, I wouldn’t be here.”
FINDING HER FIRST COACH
At Kabalagala Parents School, Shadia’s talent spilled beyond the classroom. It was coach Samuel Tumusiime of Miracle Youth Soccer Academy who first saw her potential during a casual neighborhood game.
“He was my first coach, my first mentor, my first everything in football,” she says.
By 2017, as a 13-year-old at St. Janan Luwum SS, Shadia was already certain football was more than a pastime. That year, with schools temporarily closed, she trained relentlessly.
Her dedication earned her a bursary to St. Edward’s SS Bukuumi, later leading to a move to Rines SS Namusera. At both schools, she played in national tournaments that toughened her resolve and broadened her exposure.
From Senior Three through Senior Six, bursaries made her education possible. Her A-level years at St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa ended with a Laminnies title in 2022, 18 academic points, and a government scholarship to Makerere University.
THE TOUGH CHOICES
At Makerere, the choices became harder. After passing trials with She Corporates, one of Uganda’s top women’s clubs, she was forced to quit when training clashed with her lectures.
“I had to choose my education,” she explains.
Instead, she stuck with Makerere’s football team and later joined Mengo City Futsal Club, where she is now second captain. Discipline has been her constant ally.
“There are mornings when you’re sore, but you still show up,” she says. “Football is about raw discipline.”
BREAKTHROUGH ABROAD
Her first taste of international football came in Arusha, Tanzania, at the Africa Women Homeless World Cup. She scored seven goals, including two in the final against hosts Tanzania.
“That tournament taught me football is a universal language—it’s about hope as much as it is about winning.”
In August 2025, she carried that lesson to Oslo. With five goals— including the final’s decisive header— she helped Uganda’s women’s team, led by captain Viola Namuddu, defeat Romania 9-3 in the semis and crush nine-time champions Mexico 6-0 in the final.
Uganda’s historic victory marked only the third African triumph in the tournament’s history.
“Oslo taught me that while challenges are universal, so is hope. With the right mindset, you can overcome anything,” she reflects.
LOOKING AHEAD
Now in her final year at Makerere, Shadia admires Nigerian international Michelle Alozie, who balanced football with a career in science.
“She defied the odds. That inspires me,” Shadia says.
Her ambitions stretch beyond personal glory. She dreams of using football to empower young girls.
“The game gave me education and opportunities. My goal is to give the same chance to others.” From dusty Kansanga streets to Oslo’s bright lights, Shadia Nambasa has turned resilience into triumph.
For her, football is not just a sport—it is a bridge to education, a source of hope, and a platform to lift others.
