Sheila Agonzibwa Richardson made history on Sunday after becoming the first woman elected to the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Handball (CAHB).
The Uganda Handball Federation president achieved the milestone at the 24th CAHB Ordinary Assembly in Cairo, Egypt, marking a breakthrough moment for women in continental sports leadership.
The assembly also elected Dr. Mansourou Aremou of Benin as CAHB president. Egypt’s Medhat Elbeltagy was named first vice president, Angola’s Pedro Godinho second vice president, while Amos Mbayo of the Democratic Republic of Congo became third vice president.
Dogbo Yawovi Yao of Togo was elected treasurer, with Seydou Diouf joining Richardson as an executive committee member.
Richardson said the election was both an honour and a responsibility.
“This is a big honour. I thank all the members, and together we shall serve to develop handball across the African continent,” she said.
Her election reflects her growing influence within African handball and her leadership in Uganda. It also breaks a long-standing barrier, as no woman had served on the CAHB executive since the confederation was formed.
The new executive committee will serve a four-year term from 2025 to 2029, with Richardson’s inclusion expected to inspire greater inclusion and fresh momentum for the sport across Africa.
