Uganda’s footballing elite gathered at the FUFA Complex in Mengo on Thursday for the official unveiling of nominees for the 2024 FUFA Awards.
The ceremony, filled with colour and excitement, marked the countdown to one of the most anticipated nights in Ugandan sports.
The awards, organized annually by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), recognize and celebrate exceptional achievements across all facets of the game.
This year’s grand event is slated for May 30, 2025, at the luxurious Serena Hotel in Kampala under the inspiring theme: “Celebrating Football Heroes, Inspiring Future Stars.”
- Star players in the spotlight
The coveted Best Male Player of the Year category features a tightly contested lineup. Kitara FC’s prolific scorer Denis Omedi and teammate Jude Ssemugabi stand alongside Allan Okello of Vipers SC and SC Villa’s duo of Ronald Ssekiganda and Patrick Jonah Kakande, who have both played crucial roles in their club’s strong season.
On the women’s side, Kampala Queens FC dominates the Female Player of the Year nominations, with Daisy Nakaziro, Shamirah Nalugya and Zainah Nandede making the shortlist.
They are joined by Agnes Nabukenya from Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC and Resty Kobusobozi of Lady Doves FC.
- Tactical minds recognized
The Coach of the Year category honours standout tacticians. Among the men, Brian Ssenyondo, who led Uganda Cubs to CECAFA U-17 glory, is joined by Dusan Stojanovic, the mastermind behind SC Villa’s 17th league triumph and NEC FC’s Hussein Mbalangu.
In women’s football, strong contenders include Frank Anyau of Amus College, Issa Hassan of She Corporate FC and Ayub Khalifah Kiyinji, who continues to steer Kawempe Muslim to success.
- Celebrating rising stars and unsung heroes
Emerging talent hasn’t been overlooked. The Upcoming Talent Award nominees Okello Richard (BUL FC), Jjara Brian (KCCA FC) and Bogere James (Masaka Sunshine) represent the next generation of Ugandan football stars.
Other categories shine a light on the often under-recognized contributors to the sport. These include Beach Soccer Player of the Year, Futsal Player of the Year and the ever-popular Fans of the Year with groups like Uncle Money, Kamodo and Team Dressers gaining national attention.
- Global footprints and historic squads
Recognizing excellence beyond borders, the Fans’ Ugandan Foreign-Based Player of the Year will see supporters vote for their favourite among stars like Bevis Mugabi, Mukwala Steven Desse, Rogers Kassim Mato and Khalid Aucho.
Meanwhile, the Best Squad of a Particular Year category pays homage to historic teams, including the U17 CECAFA Champions (2024), the U20 side that reached the 2021 AFCON final and the Uganda Cranes team of 2016, who famously ended a 39-year AFCON drought.
Football fans across the nation will get their say, as public voting for all categories opens on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
