Ogena and Lekuru are Rugby MVPs

Rugby players Pius Ogena of the Kobs and Peace Lekuru of the Avengers Club have won the MVP accolade for 2023 in the men's and women's categories respectively.

The two were crowned at the annual award dinner at Serena Hotel Gardens in Nakasero on Saturday evening.

Ogena beat Timothy Kisiga and Sydney Gongodyo both of Stanbic Black Pirates to the award, while Lekuru on the other hand beat Emilly Lekuru of Black Panthers and Asha Nakitto of Black Panthers to the award.

Pius Ogena breceives his award from Tashobya

NCS chairman Ambrose Tashobya is optimistic the Cranes Sevens team will qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics and urged the players and union to stay focused and determined.

He also thanked the federation for recognizing and awarding all the former captains from the 90s with medals and berets for the men and women.

“I can see Uganda is on the verge of qualifying. As the government and NCS, we are behind you and will give all the necessary support,” noted Tashobya who was the chief guest at the 2023 rugby awards at Serena Hotel Gardens on Saturday.

Former Captains with berets

Tashobya who was with the NCS general secretary Patrick Ogwel also thanked all the sponsors involved in promoting sports.

URU president, Godwin Kayangwe thanked the players and all the stakeholders in rugby that have raised Uganda's rankings internationally to third position in both men and women.

“Recruiting the CEO has been a major move for the development,” he noted.

He thanked the government, Nile Special, and all the companies sponsoring the different clubs.

Former rugby president Paul Sigombe, partner Ian Walker, and trustee Rosette Keba were among the guests.

Winners

Upcoming Player men- Shakim Ssembusi

Upcoming player women- Grace Nabaggala

Referee of year- Umar Balikanda

MVP men- Pius Ogena

MVP Women- Peace Lekuru

Coach of the year domestic- Marvin Odong

Coach of the year international- Fred Mudoola

Team Manager of the year- Micheal Wandera

Journalist of the year print- Faith Kiai

Journalist of the year (radio, TV)- John Torach

Journalist of the year digital- Grace Mbabazi

Photographer of the year- Hasaan Wamwayi

NS Special Award - Winnie Atyang for dvt of womens rugby

Presidential award for dvt- Traton Nyakato (For dvt of rugby in the west)

Fair Play- Jinja Hippos

Golden Boot Men - Ivan Magomu

Golden Boot Women - Charlotte Mudoola