The Entebbe Cricket Ground became the setting for a landmark moment in Ugandan cricket when Sharon Athoula and Gloria Obukor stood together as the first female umpire pair to officiate in the Men’s 50 Over League.
Their presence was not only groundbreaking but also a powerful symbol of inclusivity and progress in a competition long dominated by male officials.
For Sharon, the achievement was the culmination of years of persistence and passion.
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.
Athoula Sharon
She credited the trust placed in her by Uganda Cricket, Cricket Africa, and the ICC for opening doors to “massive men’s and women’s tournaments.”
Standing alongside Gloria, she explained, was “humbling, exciting, and a big achievement,” one that keeps her career goal of inspiring more women to take up umpiring alive.
Gloria echoed the sentiment, describing the opportunity as both a personal and a collective one.
Umpiring the men’s game with Sharon was a privilege,” she reflected. “I felt like progress, not just for me but for every female official coming.
Gloria Obukor
The symbolism of their appointment was profound. By entrusting Sharon and Gloria with such a competitive fixture, Uganda Cricket underscored its commitment to broadening opportunities and nurturing diversity.
For the two trailblazers, the match was not just about officiating but about opening pathways for the next generation of women who aspire to stand tall in the middle of the pitch.
Sharon reaffirmed her commitment to “continue working harder in this journey of growing the sport of cricket in Uganda and Africa.”
Gloria emphasised the broader impact of the milestone, noting that it represented progress for every female official who dreams of breaking barriers in the sport.
This historic day will be remembered not for the runs scored or wickets taken, but for the two women who stood at the heart of the game, rewriting the narrative of Ugandan cricket.
The match itself ended in high drama, with Wanderers CC edging Kutchi Tigers B by just one run in a tense finish.