By Robert Kayindi James
Africa’s feather weight champion Edward Kakembo yesterday scooped the Nile Special sports personality award for the month of December 2015 after a vote conducted by Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA).
While at the sports body’s monthly assembly on Monday 11th at Scarlet Hall, Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, the African champion beat Uganda Cranes’ number one custodian Dennis Masinde Onyango with a tally 495 votes to 415 votes to win the accolade.
Kakembo beat Nigeria’s Scorrow on a point decision after a 6 round fight to win the continental title in Abaju on Boxing day that saw him walk back home with a cash prize of 1.5M Naira.
Meanwhile, Onyango guided his South African based club, Mamelodi Sun downs F.C to the Nedbank victory.
Other USPA Commendations for the month of December 2015:
In basketball, City Oilers and UCU Lady Canons were commended for winning the men and women basketball titles respectively.
In volleyball, Nemostars and Ndejje Elites were applauded for winning the national league trophies for the men and women respectively.
For winning the 14th CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Uganda Cranes were also recognized.
Ndejje University was also recognized for clinching the third straight national university sports title.
Individual Sport Winners:
Dennis Onyango was voted the best footballer in 2015 beating Vipers’ Farouk Miya.
Sandra Nabweteeme was voted the best woman footballer of the year.
Youngster Ronald Otile won the best male golfer of the year while Flavia Namakula won the female golfer of the year.
In pool table, 2015 Nile special national pool open champion, Amos Ndyagumanawe won it for the men while Angella Busingye came through for the women.
In boxing, Fazil Juma Kaggwa won the boxer of the year honour.
In rugby, Hima Heathens captain, Michael Wokorach beat Pirates’ Pius Ogena to the best rugby player of the year award.
Shortlist for Team of the year:
The Netball She Cranes
Uganda Golf team
The Rugby Cranes
Shortlist for Sports personality of the year:
Ivan Byekwaso (body builder)
Ronald Otile (Golfer)
Rachael Nannyonga (Netballer)
Winners will be announced during the annual dinner that is scheduled to take place in three months-time. Uganda Sports Press Association is sponsored by Nile Special, Standard Chartered Bank, Brussels Airlines and Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala.
