By Robert Kayindi James
The 2016 Azam Uganda Premier League (AUPL) awards ceremony was held at the Kampala Serena Hotel on Friday last week. The event was graced by the first son and commander of the Special Forces Unit, Major General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who was also the guest of honor on the evening. Among other dignitaries were the FUFA president Eng. Moses Magogo, Dennis Mbidde (FUFA Vice President for clubs), Hon. Allan Ssewanyan (Shadow minister for sports and Makindye West MP), and Milutin Micho Sredojevic (Uganda Cranes head coach).
The biggest winner of the night was KCCA FC defender and Uganda Cranes left back Joseph Benson Ochaya who won the MVP accolade and cruised away with a brand new Subaru Forester that was handed to him by the first son.
Musicians Winnie Nwagi and Lillian Mbabazi are some of those that performed on the night.
Here is the full list of winners:
Footballer of the Season (MVP) –Joseph Benson Ochaya (KCCA)
Goalkeeper of the Season –Mathias Muwanga (Sadolin Paints)
Defender of the Season – Musa Walangalira (JMC Hippos)
Midfielder of the Season –Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA)
Top Scorer –Robert Sentongo (URA) – 18 goals
Coach of the Season –Mike Ray Mutebi (KCCA)
Goalkeeping Coach of the Season –Kenneth Magada (Sadolin Paints)
Young Player of the Season –Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers)
Others:
Longest Serving player of the League –Simeon Masaba (former URA FC player, now part of the technical staff)
Most Exciting Player –Martin Kizza (SC Villa)
Fan of the Season –Ali Kafeero (KCCA FC)
Best Referee –Brian Miiro Nsubuga
Fans’ Player of the Year –Musa Esenu (Soana)
Best Chief Executive Officer (CEO) –Tamale David (KCCA FC)
Fair Play Award (Individual) –Ivan Ssewanyana (KCCA FC physiotherapist)
Fair Play Award (Team) –Vipers SC (23 yellow cards and 0 red cards)
Best Sports Journalist Television –Clive Kyazze (Urban TV)
Best Sports Journalist Radio – Martin Kaddu (Radio Sanpiensia)
Best Sports Journalist Photography –John Batanudde (Red Pepper)
Best Sports Journalist Print –Elvis Ssenono (Daily Monitor)
Best Sports Journalist Online –Ismael Kiyonga (Kawowo Sports)
