The Art of Time Management: Why GC Dr. Kairungi Salma Was Honoured by LFAA

By Kayiira Jackson 

Former Uganda Volleyball Federation vice president and one of FUFA’s pioneer General Match Coordinators, Dr. Salma Kairungi, was among the distinguished personalities honoured during the Local Football Appreciation Awards (LFAA) ceremony held on Friday evening at Silver Springs Hotel, Bugolobi.

The glamorous event celebrated outstanding contributors to Ugandan football, recognising 39 winners across various categories while also paying tribute to individuals whose dedication behind the scenes has significantly impacted the growth and organisation of the game.

Dr. Kairungi, who was among the first batch of General Match Coordinators introduced by FUFA in 2022, received a Medal of Honour for her contribution to football administration and match organisation.

Speaking during the ceremony, LFAA proprietor Dr. Richard Kimbowa praised Kairungi for her professionalism and commitment to ensuring smooth match-day operations.

“These are some people who are not recognised but do a great work to see that football on match day looks very organised,” Kimbowa said.

“Dr. Kairungi is a very organised and professional woman. When the game is tomorrow and she is your General Match Coordinator, she makes sure that everything needed on match day is in proper line. She introduced to us the art of time management.” 

In her acceptance remarks, Kairungi expressed gratitude to the organisers for recognising her efforts in Ugandan football.

“Honoured to present awards and privileged to receive a Medal of Honour at the Local Football Appreciation Awards in recognition of my contribution to Ugandan football,” she said.

“Congratulations to fellow recipients Catherine Adipo, Nabadda Shamirah, Aisha Nalule, Mr. Ali Mwebe and Ali Kalyango. The honour is deeply appreciated, and the commitment to serve Ugandan football remains strong. Thank you, LFAA, for celebrating the heartbeat of Ugandan football.”

Other recipients of the Medal of Honour included referees’ assessor Catherine Adipo, former FUFA Competitions Director Hajjat Aisha Nalule, referees’ instructor Ali Kalyango, football administrator Ali Mwebe and Shamirah Nabadda.

Meanwhile, several football personalities, clubs, media practitioners and administrators walked away with accolades in the competitive categories, highlighting excellence across different sectors of the local game.

Local Football Appreciation Awards 2026 Winners

Football Personalities and Players

– Men’s Player of the Year: Karim Watambala (Vipers SC)

– Women’s Player of the Year: Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim)

– Men’s Young Player of the Year: Allan Okello (Young Africans)

– Women’s Young Player of the Year: Dorcus Kisakye (Kawempe Muslim)

– Men’s Football Personality of the Year: Hajji Hassan Ssekatawa

– Women’s Football Personality of the Year: Phionah Nabulime (Masar FC)

– University Football Personality of the Year: Lutwama Ali (Mutesa Royal University)

– Beach Soccer Personality of the Year: Omarios Ali (Kisenyi)

Coaches and Club Administration

– Men’s Coach of the Year: Wasswa Bbosa (Kitara FC)

– Women’s Coach of the Year: Ayub Khalifa (Kawempe Muslim)

– Football Chief Executive Officer of the Year: Joshua Atugonza (Kitara FC)

Refereeing and Match Operations

– Referee of the Year: Stephen Kimayo

– Assistant Referee of the Year: Ivan Lubwama

– Medical Officer of the Year: Moses Magero Mwanje (KCCA FC)

– Safety and Security Officer of the Year: Geofrey Onyango (NEC FC)

– Grounds and Stadium Operations Award: Yasin Kawuulu (Lugazi Stadium)

– Pitchside Excellence Award: Peter Tabbu

Clubs and Fan Engagement

– Club of the Year (Women): Kawempe Muslim

– Brand of the Year: Vipers SC

– Football Fan Base of the Year: Vipers Fan Base

– Football School of the Year: St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende

– Girls’ Football School of the Year: St Noa Girls School

– Academy of the Year: El Cambio Academy / AGF Aarhus

Media Awards

– Football Journalist of the Year (Women): Leirah Shamirah Nabisere

– Football Photojournalist of the Year (Men): Jale Morgan

– Women’s Football Media Award: Geofrey Mugabi (Sportlight Uganda)

– Women’s Media Icon Award: Peace Diane Bagala (BBS TV & CBS FM)

– Television Presenter of the Year: Denis Bbosa (NTV Uganda)

– Radio Presenter of the Year: David Lumansi (CBS FM)

– Football Show of the Year: Omumuli (NTV Uganda)

– Football Commentator of the Year: Peter Otai

– Football Digital Excellence Award: Sepuya Agency

– Football Writers Excellence Award: David Isabirye (Kawowo Sports)

Other Categories

– Football Agency & Intermediary Excellence Award

– Mini Football Personality of the Year

– Futsal Young Player of the Year

– Masaza Cup Royal Football Personality of the Year

– Alumni Personality of the Year

– League of the Year: KOSA League

– International Excellence Awards (various categories)