Entebbe Cricket Ground witnessed a landmark moment in Ugandan cricket on April 21, 2026, as Sharon Athoula and Gloria Obukor became the first all-female umpiring duo to officiate a Men’s 50-Over League match. Their appointment marked a significant breakthrough in a competition traditionally overseen by male officials.
While Wanderers CC secured a narrow one-run victory over Kutchi Tigers B in a closely contested encounter, the historic presence of Athoula and Obukor stood out as the defining narrative of the day. Their role at the centre represented not only personal achievement but also a broader step forward for inclusivity within the sport.
For Sharon Athoula, the occasion reflected years of dedication and persistence. “My umpiring journey has been a dream built on passion, hard work, patience, teamwork, endurance, and always being in a position to use the opportunities given to me to perform to the best of my ability,” she said.
She acknowledged the support she has received from Uganda Cricket, Cricket Africa, and the ICC, which has helped her gain experience across both men’s and women’s competitions. Reflecting on sharing the moment with Obukor, she described it as “humbling, exciting, and a big achievement”, adding that it motivates her to encourage more women to pursue opportunities in officiating.
A Shared Milestone for Women Officials
Gloria Obukor also highlighted the importance of the occasion, viewing it as progress for female officials in the game. “Umpiring the men’s game with Sharon was a privilege. I felt like progress, not just for me but for every female official coming,” she said.
Their selection was seen as part of a wider effort by Uganda Cricket to promote diversity and create opportunities for officials capable of performing at a high level in competitive men’s matches.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond the match itself, both umpires emphasised the significance of paving the way for others. Athoula expressed her determination to “continue working harder in this journey of growing the sport of cricket in Uganda and Africa,” while Obukor pointed to the broader impact such moments can have on aspiring female officials.
This milestone comes amid continued growth in women’s cricket and its ecosystem, as the sport moves toward greater inclusivity ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, scheduled from June 12 to July 5, 2026.
Although the match delivered a dramatic finish, the lasting image from Entebbe remains the presence of two women officiating at the highest level of domestic men’s cricket in Uganda—an important step forward for the game.
