By James Bakama

ALL is set for the utl/USPA gala tomorrow where a record turn-up is expected.

Organising secretary for the sports journalists’ body Katende Malibu said they have arranged for 500 guests at Hotel Africana.

“That’s an increase of over 100 people,” said Malibu of the function where Uganda’s 2009 top sports personality will be crowned. Telecommunication company uganda telecom has injected sh90m into the gala that has for over three decades stood out as Uganda’s biggest sports awards night.

r Football couldn’t have had a better candidate for the 2009 uganda telecom/USPA Sports Personality the Year award than Brian Umony.

The South Africa based footballer will however miss the function because his side SuperSport United is involved in a CAF Champions League match against Ferroviaro de Maputo the same day.

Umony was undoubtedly the most impressive Ugandan footballer in 2009. He was superb right from January, helping the Cranes lift the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Kampala. Umony top scored in the tournament with six goals.

He later helped the Cranes to friendly victories against Malawi and The Sudan.

He was also the reason KCC put up an impressive run in the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup.

His form won him a two-year contract with South African giants SuperSport United.

The soft spoken striker, who is already assured of the Footballer of the Year accolade, was touched. “I thought it would be stars like Ibrahim Sekagya or David Obua to be nominated,” he observed.

He is contesting for the top award with athlete Moses Kipsiro, boxer Jackson Asiku and rugby club MTN Heathens.

Football last won the coveted prize in 1990 when the national soccer team, The Cranes retained the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup. Polly Ouma, currently in jail over a land disagreement, won the first annual award in 1974.

The uganda telecom sponsored event will also have monthly winners and top performers in the respective disciplines recognised.

2009 Monthly winners
Jan. - K. Kamyuka
Feb. - B. Umony
March - M. Kipsiro
April - J. Asiku
May - R. Kurji (RIP)
June - URA FC
July - S. Muwonge
Aug. - U-17 soccer team
Sept. - National golf team
Oct. - J. Kamukama
Nov. - Jackson Asiku
Dec. - Uganda Cranes