Mother proud as Watambala wins 2025/26 UPL Most Valuable Player Award

Afisa Nagemesi, the mother of Vipers SC midfielder Abdulkarim Watambala, has praised her son for upholding his late father's football legacy after he was named the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League (UPL) Most Valuable Player.

Nagemesi made the remarks while accompanying Watambala to the UPL Awards Gala at Kati Kati Restaurant in Lugogo, where he was crowned Footballer of the Year.

UPL Season 2025/26 Awards: Top scorer Ivan Ahimbisibwe receives his award at the ceremony. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

“I am very happy for my last-born son, Watambala, for keeping the family's football talent alive. His father, Moses Nagemesi, was a great footballer who played for Mbale Heroes and Telestar FC in Mbale. I thank God and all those who have contributed to his success. We pray he achieves even greater things,” said an elated Nagemesi.

Watambala received the prestigious award from National Council of Sports (NCS) Assistant General Secretary Milton Chebet, FUFA Treasurer Rogers Byamukama, and a FUFA Executive Committee member who is also the newly elected MP for Masindi Municipality.

Winners of various categories at the 2025/26 UPL Awards. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

Chebet praised football administrators and reiterated the government’s commitment to sports development through increased funding and modern facilities.

“We will soon start funding football clubs directly. After constructing and upgrading Hoima Stadium, Akii-Bua Stadium, and Mandela National Stadium, we are now looking at similar facilities in Mbale and Bugembe,” Chebet said. He also expressed hope that future winners would drive away in brand-new vehicles.

Byamukama highlighted government investment in sports infrastructure, noting that upgraded venues such as Kyambogo, Wankulukuku, Makerere, Masindi, Lira University, and Hoima stadiums will be available for club use after AFCON 2027.

“The government is committed to building modern sports facilities in all major cities, including Soroti and Masaka,” he said. He noted that the national sports budget had grown from Shs400 million in 2018 to about Shs47 billion under NCS, with an additional Shs1.8 trillion for AFCON preparations.

“I call on critics to stop unfounded accusations against FUFA. If funding is withdrawn, sports development will suffer,” Byamukama added, applauding the government’s multi-sport facility approach benefiting rugby, basketball, athletics, and more.

Other award winners on the night included UPDF FC, who won the Fair Play Award after accumulating only 32 yellow cards and one red card throughout the season. The club also produced the Youngest Player of the Season, 19-year-old midfielder Enrique Lubwama. NEC FC's Hammington Sebwalunnyo was named Goalkeeper of the Year, while Ivan Ahimbisibwe finished as the league's top scorer with 14 goals. Vipers SC's Rogers Torach won the Goal of the Year award for his stunning long-range strike against UPDF FC. In the technical category, Vipers SC head coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert was named Coach of the Year, edging out NEC FC's Badru Kaddu. Retired FIFA referee Catherine Adipo received the Platinum Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to football administration and development.

The awards dinner attracted several football legends and stakeholders, including Jackson Mayanja, Paul Ssali, William Nkemba, coaches, and retired referees. Also in attendance were former KCCA FC chairman Martin Ssekajja, FUFA Referees Committee chairman Brian Nsubuga, FUTSAL chairman Hamza Jjunju, and Beach Soccer Association chairman Deo Mutabazi. The event was sponsored by Mobicast, Saladin, Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), Pepsi, Minat, and StarTimes.