Waiswa, Aturo top Airtel-FUFA Awards

Cranes and Vipers midfielder Moses Waiswa and Crested Cranes and UCU Lady Cardinals' goalkeeper Ruth Aturo were crowned Airtel-FUFA Male and Female Players of the Year 2018 at a colourful awards dinner at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Friday.

Each one of them drove away in a brand new Toyota Mark 11 Grande which were fueled by Post Bank with up to 125 litres of fuel each (sh500,000 each).

Post Bank Senior Manager Marketing and Communications Jackie Kwesiga presented the cash after Airtel's Remmy Kisakye and FUFA president Moses Magogo had handed over keys to their cars. All the other nominees also walked away with cash ranging from sh300, 000 to sh1m.

The FUFA Big League player of the Year Noel Nasasira was also another big winner on the night walking away with sh4m cash and a flat screen TV courtesy of FUFA partners Bet Lion.

 The Airtel Fans Favourite Player of the Year Allan Okello rceives his award from FUFA Vice president Justus Mugisha 

"It's a great day in my football career and the dream has finally come true.  I'm very grateful to God because I'm chosen as the best in the country.  Life in football is a journey and one can decide to be the best or otherwise. What makes a good player is not only talent but hard work and commitment; now it is time to set myself new targets for myself club and the national team," Waiswa stated

Waiswa, who opted to play in Uganda other than in Sweden earlier in his career, advised his fellow competitors and players to take courage and continue working hard. He thanked his club president Lawrence Mulindwa for guidance and FUFA for organizing the awards.

Onduparaka's Vianney Ssekajugo and KCCA FC's Allan Okello who were beaten to the overall award were named in the FUFA X1alongside Waiswa, with Okello taking the Fans Favourite Ugandan Player of the Year Award.

Crested Cranes' Ruth Aturo who won the female player of the year award was also ecstatic and thanked all her coaches who have groomed her into the player she is.

"I was first nominated in 2016 and finished second, so my second nomination didn't surprise me. I'm very excited because I worked hard and was determined and focused," Aturo a UCU Diploma in Business Administration and Management student said.

Honorary FUFA president Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa also scooped the FUFA presidential Award and called for unity so that all stakeholders can chase one goal of developing football.

"This is a celebration of football; the game needs all of us because it is a team sport and I'm delighted for having been recognized for my participation and contribution towards the growth and development of football ad I would like to that the FUFA president, our partners and the entire football family for coming up with this idea," Mulindwa whose award also carried a sh1m reward remarked.

 The Airtel Female Player of the Year Rose Aturo receives her award from Minister of Children Affairs Florence Nakiwala as Airtel's Remmy Kisakye (left) and FUFA president Moses Magogo look on

The same award has been given to former Cranes goalkeeper Paul Ssali, former FIFA referee Ali Tomusange and FUFA long serving employee Mohammed Kalema ‘Blatter'.

Guest of honour Minister Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi urged parents to encourage their children do sports and also challenged those who had won awards to ensure they do even better.

"Such an occasion is a symbol of growth of sports and football as an industry where a person can earn or start a living. Government has adjusted the curriculum to encourage sports and other curricular activities as this is a means of earning and recognition," Nakiwala stated.

She said the government was committed to supporting all national teams in all foreign tournaments and urged FUFA to ensure accountability in terms of activities and records, transparency and intergrity fo all funds extended.

FUFA president Moses Magogo thanked President Museveni for the support he has given to football and for creating a conducive environment that has enabled the game to prosper. He also thanked the external stakeholders (sponsors) for their support.

"It is a very long journey to turn around football and everyone has a role to play, but it is now time to celebrate. Let us support everyone who has been appointed in each of the roles whole heartedly because our vision is to become the number one footballing nation in Africa on and off the pitch," Magogo stated.

Airtel FUFA Award winners

Airtel-FUFA Male Player of the Year 2018

Moses Waisswa (Vipers)

Airtel-FUFA Female Player of the Year 2018

Ruth Aturo (UCU Lady Cardinals)

FUFA presidential Award

Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa

FUFA Coach of the Year

Mike Mutebi (KCCA FC)

FUFA Referee of the Year

Brian Nsubuga

FUFA Upcoming referee of the year

Shamirah Nabukenya

FUFA Beach Soccer Player of the Year

Meddie Kibirige

FUFA Fair Play Award

Maroons FC

Fans Favourite Ugandan Player of the Year

Allan Okello

Fans Favourite Ugandan Player (Foreign based)

Denis Onyango

Most Promising Player Award

Mustafa Kizza (KCCA FC)

Upcoming talent (FUFA Juniors League)

Sadat Anaku (KCCA FC)

Fan of the Year 2018

Kassim Kyazze (KCCA FC)

FUFA X1: Samson Kirya (G.K), Paul Willa, Mustafa Kizza, Henry Katongole, Timothy Dennis Awany, Nicholas Kasozi, Viane Ssekajugo, Moses Waiswa, Dan Sserunkuma, Okello Allan, Nelson Senkatuka