Kawempe Stars, Alumni Scoop Top Honours at LFA Awards

By Kayiira Jackson 

KAMPALA — Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC and its current and former players emerged among the biggest winners at the second edition of the Local Football Appreciation (LFA) Awards held on Friday evening at Silver Springs Hotel, Bugolobi.

The women’s football giants enjoyed a memorable night, collecting five prestigious accolades as the awards celebrated outstanding contributions to Ugandan football across various categories.

Founded by former referee and United States-based football administrator Dr. Richard Kimbowa, the LFA Awards were established to recognize individuals, clubs, companies and stakeholders who have played a significant role in the growth and development of football in Uganda.

The awards honor a wide range of contributors to the game, including players, coaches, referees, media personnel, administrators, stadium stewards, groundsmen, announcers and fans.

Out of the 39 categories contested, Kawempe Muslim dominated the women’s section by winning the awards for Best Young Player of the Year, Best Female Player of the Year, Best Coach of the Year, Best Female Club of the Year and Best Foreign Female Player of the Year.

Midfielder Dorcus Kisakye, a Form Five student at Kawempe Muslim Secondary School, was named Best Young Player of the Year after edging fellow nominees Justine Ayerango of Rines SS and Brenda Nassaka of St Noa Girls FC.

Kawempe captain Agnes Nabukenya claimed the Best Female Player of the Year accolade following a stellar campaign in which she inspired the club to its sixth top-flight league title. Nabukenya saw off competition from teammate Latifah Nakasi, Jesca Namanda of She Corporate FC and Patricia Nayiga of St Noa Girls FC.

The club’s success extended to the technical bench, where veteran tactician Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi was voted Best Coach of the Year. The decorated coach beat a strong challenge from She Corporate FC coach Belyse Ininahazwe to secure the award.

Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC also scooped the Best Female Club of the Year award after clinching the FUFA Women Super League title on the final day of the season.

Former Kawempe captain Phionah Nabulime, who currently plays for Egyptian side FC Masar, was recognized as the Best Foreign Female Player of the Year, further highlighting the club’s influence beyond Uganda’s borders.

Beyond Kawempe’s dominance, several other football stakeholders were recognized for their contributions to the sport.

Rines SS was named Best Female Football School of the Year, while Steven Kimayo and Lubwama Ivan were crowned Best Referee of the Year and Best Assistant Referee of the Year, respectively.

In the media category, Leirah Nabisere of Nkumba University and FUFA won the Best Female Photojournalist of the Year award, while Jale Morgan of BUL FC claimed the Best Male Photojournalist of the Year accolade.

Veteran sports journalist David Isabirye of Kawowo Sports was named Best Writer of the Year, with Mugabi Geoffrey Junior winning the award for Best Media Personnel Covering Women’s Football. Renowned broadcaster Peter Otai walked away with the Best Football Commentator of the Year award.

In the men’s categories, Vipers SC midfielder Abdul Karim Watambala was voted Best Male Player of the Year, while Uganda Cranes star Allan Okello received the Best Foreign-Based Male Player of the Year award.

League champions Vipers SC capped off a successful season by being named the Best Male Team of the Year.

The ceremony attracted football administrators, referees, media practitioners, nominees and winners from across the country.

Speaking at the event, LFA Awards Chief Executive Officer Dr. Richard Kimbowa revealed plans to introduce cash prizes for winners beginning with the next edition, further enhancing the initiative’s mission of appreciating those who continue to shape Ugandan football.