Uganda Rugby Union honours outstanding performers at glittering awards night

Sports journalists were among the recipients at the prestigious awards as Uganda’s finest rugby personalities were celebrated on Friday night at the annual awards gala held at Hotel Africana for their outstanding performance in the 2025/26 season.

New Vision sports writer Johnson Were, digital reporter Denise Namale, and radio and television journalist Ernest Akorebirungi won the Best Rugby Journalist award for the 2025/26 season.

The colorful ceremony brought together players, coaches, administrators, sponsors, and fans to recognize exceptional performances during the season. The evening was filled with pride, reflection, and anticipation for the future of the sport in the country.

Top honors of the night went to standout performers in both the men’s and women’s categories, with national team stars and club heroes rewarded for their consistency and impact on the pitch. The awards also highlighted emerging talent, underlining the steady growth of rugby at grassroots level across Uganda.

Timothy Kisiga (29) of Pirates RFC and Lydia Namabiiro of the Black Pearls were crowned the Most Valuable Players (MVPs) in the men’s and women’s categories respectively. Kisiga also shared the Top Try Scorer award with Ian Oyet of Heathens.

Emily Lekuru of the Black Pearls emerged as the top try scorer in the women’s category.

After scooping a double, Kisiga credited his success to teamwork at King’s Park, where Pirates won both the Uganda Cup and the Premiership titles.

“I put in a lot of effort to become top scorer in the championship, always aiming to win matches. I also played in four positions — 15, 14, 13, and 11,  to fill gaps in the team. We are now focusing on winning the regional Enterprise Cup,” Kisiga said.

Marvin Odong (Pirates) was named Best Coach, while Tolbert Onyango was recognized for international engagements, and Charles Onen won in the women’s category.

Omar Balikanda was named Best Referee, while Dorcus Mundua took home the Team Manager of the Year award.

Ramzy Oringa received the Long Service Award, as Michael Wandera and Jude Rwakayanja were recognized as Best Administrator and Regional Development Officer respectively.

In his address, URU president Godwin Kayangwe emphasized the union’s commitment to developing the game nationwide, praising clubs, schools, and regional bodies for their contribution to nurturing talent. He noted that the success recorded during the season was a result of collective effort and strategic investment in youth structures.

“We are proud of how far rugby has come in Uganda. These awards are not just about winning trophies, but celebrating the spirit, discipline, and unity that define our game,” he said.

Kayangwe also commended sponsors including Nile Special, Harris International, MTN MoMo, and Voyager for their continued support.

Uganda Olympic Committee president and Commonwealth Games representative Donald Rukare hailed the growth of rugby and highlighted ongoing efforts to promote the sport, especially among girls.

“In addition to empowering girls to play rugby, UOC is planning to establish a Hall of Fame to honor outstanding sports personalities,” Rukare noted.

Nile Breweries head of marketing, Wangechi Gitahi, reaffirmed her company’s commitment as the main sponsor of rugby and emphasized the need to support female athletes.

“We should create a special fund for women participating in physically demanding sports such as rugby, boxing, karate, and weightlifting,” she said.

In addition to plaques and cash cheques, the evening was highlighted by a dinner and entertainment from star singer Carol Kasiita.