Published on 25/04/2025
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), in partnership with MTN Uganda, Friday officially launched the 2024 MTN-FUFA Awards, an event that marks the seventh edition and grand return of the prestigious awards ceremony since 2021 when it was last held.
The 2024 edition, happening on May 30th May at Kampala Serena Hotel is themed “Celebrating Football Heroes, Inspiring Future Stars,” with an endearing promise to be bigger and more vibrant, with a variety of new and returning award categories, expanded sponsorship partnerships, and heightened media engagement.
Speaking at the launch of the awards on April 25th, 2025, at Kampala Serena Hotel, Rogers Byamukama, the Chairman of the FUFA Awards Organizing Committee, expressed deep appreciation to sponsors, particularly MTN Uganda, the title sponsor, as well as long-standing partners such as Nile Special and Nivana Water for their continued commitment to promoting football across the country.
“We aim to make the MTN-FUFA Awards a major entertainment event on Uganda’s calendar,” Byamukama noted, adding, “This event helps us not only celebrate our football stars but also recognize the contributions of all individuals who dedicate their time, finances, and passion to the beautiful game.”
He further emphasized FUFA’s commitment to creating a platform that motivates players, administrators, and the larger football fraternity, and called upon more partners and sponsors to join the cause.
Expanded Categories, Bigger Rewards
Byamukama explained that this year’s awards will feature exciting categories including Male and Female Player of the Year, each of whom will walk away with a brand-new car courtesy of MTN Uganda.
Other categories will include Male and Female Best XI, Male and Women Football Coaches of the Year, FUFA Goal of the Year, Upcoming Talent Award, Beach Soccer Player of the Year, and Futsal Player of the Year.
Special to this edition is the newly included MTN Media Personality of the Year Award, that wins to recognize the crucial role media professionals play in the growth of Ugandan football.
Byamukama explained that winners across all categories will receive medals, plaques, and cash prizes, with criteria for nominations and voting to be released soon.
Adding to his remarks, Rogers Mulindwa, a FUFA Executive Committee member, reiterated the Association’s unwavering commitment to supporting their sponsors in building brand loyalty through football.
Mulindwa urged the media to continue promoting sponsors who have greatly contributed to the development of the sport.
On his part, MTN Uganda’s representative, John Paul Okwi, highlighted the telecom giant’s excitement in partnering with FUFA for the awards, calling football “a unifying game of many colours and tribes” that perfectly aligns with MTN’s belief in inclusivity and collective strength. “Together, we are unstoppable,” he said, emphasizing MTN’s commitment to growing the awards into a landmark annual event.
Nivana Water’s Rogers Anguzu also lauded FUFA for creating an opportunity to celebrate individual excellence in football, pledging continued support to the awards.
The FUFA Awards ceremony last took place in 2021, when Vipers midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga and Kampala Queens forward Fauzia Najjemba were crowned the Best Male and Female Footballer of the Year, respectively.
The inaugural winner of the awards are Farouk Miya and Sandra Nabweteme who claimed the top honors for male and female footballers in the inception year 2015.
