Buganda’s finest athletes celebrated at 2024 sports awards

MENGO - From fierce competition to well-earned recognition, the 2024 Buganda Sports Awards celebrated the kingdom’s finest athletes, with netball sensation Rachael Nanyonga among those taking home top honours. 

Nanyonga received the journalist’s choice award after leading Ennyonyi Nyange to a thrilling 21-18 victory over Mmamba Namakaka in the Bika Netball Tournament final.

Currently, she is in England representing Uganda at the Vitality Netball Nations Cup.

Other awardees included Abdhallla Ssebuufu, recognised as the best fan for his unwavering support of both the Bika and Masaza tournaments. 

Kevin Nakato and Aziz Ssempija were named female and male cyclists of the year, while Quraish Kawuki, at just 15 years old, was honoured as the youngest Mweso player.

Seventeen-year-old Jamil Kizito was recognised as the youngest wrestler, while Pius Ssebulime, captain of Buddu, was awarded for leading his team to a 1-0 victory over Kyaggwe in the Masaza Cup final. 

Ssebaale Kato received recognition as the most supportive person in golf, while Mutuba I Mazinga was honoured for outstanding commitment in the Ggombolola Cup. Allen Nagirinya was also awarded for her achievements in boat racing.

The awards were presented by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, who encouraged parents to support their children’s talents, particularly in sports.

The Katikkiro of Buganda (left) awarding Kevin Nakato, who was the best female cyclist of 2024. (Credit: Samson Ssemakadde)

“Parents should also be key in their kids’ education because a sports person who has been to school is better than that one who did not go to school, especially after they retire,” he said.

The event, held at Butikkiro in Mmengo, Lubaga Municipality, Kampala, on Tuesday, was attended by several officials from the Buganda Kingdom government, particularly those involved in sports.

Buganda Sports Awards 2024

Rachael Nanyonga (journalist’s choice award-Netball) 

Pius Ssebulime ((journalist’s choice award-Football)

Jamil Kizito (Youngest Wrestling player)

Quraish Kawuchi (Youngest player-Mweso)

Ssebaale Kato (Golf's most supportive person)

Mutuba I Mazinga (Ggombolola Cup- Outstanding commitment award)
Allen Nagirinya (Boat racing)

Kevin Nakato (female cyclist), 

Aziz Ssempija (male cyclist)

Abdhallla Ssebuufu  (Best fan)