President Yoweri Museveni has been awarded the CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of Uganda’s role in co-hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
He received the honour alongside Kenya’s President William Ruto and Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan for their joint efforts in delivering the regional tournament. The trio was celebrated during the CAF Awards 2025 ceremony held on November 19 in Rabat, Morocco.
CAF credited the leaders for backing major infrastructure developments, ensuring tournament efficiency and demonstrating strong regional collaboration—contributions the organisation said have set a new benchmark for African football competitions.
Ugandan FIFA referee Shamirah Nabbadda also earned continental acclaim, winning the Female Referee of the Year award. Nabbadda is regarded as one of Africa’s top match officials and has handled several high-profile fixtures, including games at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised the three East African heads of state for their “visionary support that elevated East Africa’s football profile globally,” noting that the smooth delivery of CHAN 2024 bolstered regional preparedness for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the nations are set to co-host.
Kenya’s Ambassador to Morocco, Jessica Muthoni Gakinya, accepted President Ruto’s award on his behalf.
The ceremony also featured strong performances from Moroccan footballers. PSG defender Achraf Hakimi clinched the African Player of the Year title after a season marked by five trophies and PSG’s historic Champions League triumph. He beat Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen to the coveted award.
Al-Hilal’s Yassine Bounou was named Goalkeeper of the Year, while Watford midfielder Othmane Maamma took the Young Player of the Year honour.
In club football, Egypt’s Pyramids FC were celebrated for securing their first CAF Champions League crown after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns. Tanzania’s 21-year-old Clement Francis Mzize won Goal of the Year for his long-range strike in the Champions League.
