FUFA revives annual football awards after three-year hiatus

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has announced the return of its  annual awards ceremony, with the MTN FUFA Awards 2024 set to take place on May 30 at Kampala Serena Hotel.

The event marks the revival of the tradition after a three-year break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the last edition held in 2021.

Rogers Byamukama, chairman of the organising committee and FUFA's marketing head, revealed that 16 categories will recognize excellence across Ugandan football. The seventh edition of the awards sponsored by MTN under the theme "Celebrating Football Heroes, Inspiring Future Stars" - will honour top performers in men's and women's football, coaching, media, and special contributions to the sport.

"This prestigious platform celebrates Uganda's football excellence, honoring outstanding players, coaches, clubs and key contributors to the beautiful game," Byamukama stated during the launch at Serena Hotel. The male and female Players of the Year will receive a car and 1 million shillings each, while other category winners will get plaques and cash prizes.

Notable awards include:

Men's and Women's Player of the Year

Best XI selections for both genders

Coach of the Year awards

FUFA Goal of the Year

Best Upcoming Talent

Beach Soccer and Futsal Players of the Year

Additional categories recognise fan engagement, foreign-based players, member associations, and media contributions.

A selection committee will announce nominees on May 1, with public voting running through May 25. The awards return after Fausia Najjemba and Bobos Byaruhanga were last crowned as women's and men's top players respectively in 2021.

The 2024 edition promises to make up for lost time by celebrating three years of outstanding football achievements that went unrecognized during the pandemic hiatus.