USPA Gala set for November 18

The 2019 Nile Special Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) gala will, at last, be held next week, following the postponement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

World 2019 10000m champion Joshua Cheptegei could be on his way to winning back to back USPA Sports Personality of the Year accolades after he was also nominated for the 2020 award.

The reigning 5000 and 10000m World Record holder and reigning World Cross Country champion, who also set a personal best time when he won the men's 5,000m during the IAAF Diamond League in Switzerland last year among other achievements, will contest for the top award with Halimah Nakaayi who also won a gold medal in the women's 800m final at the world championship in Doha.

Cranes striker Emmanuel Okwi is the other nominee for the top award.

On Wednesday, the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) president Patrick Kanyomozi announced the new date for the biggest annual sports event in the land, allaying earlier fears that sportsmen could miss out this year.

The event will be held under the prevailing COVID-19 restrictions and safe operating procedures. The two-in-one event will also be used to mark USPA's 50th anniversary.

"This is a key milestone in our history of promoting unity and brotherhood among sports journalists. It is with mixed emotions that we confirm that the annual USPA Gala will go ahead this year," Kanyomozi said.

"On one hand, it is fantastic news that together with our partner Nile Special, we were able to forge a way forward and ensure that the continuity of the gala is not broken in spite of the pandemic," he said.

"But on the other hand, there's a tinge of sadness that not everybody that we would have loved to be present will be invited.

"We are holding the event but with extra caution and guidance to ensure that we adhere to the Ministry of Health guidelines," Kanyomozi stated.

Nile Special brand manager Francis Nyende echoed the brand's continued commitment to the development of sports in Uganda and acknowledgement of the outstanding personalities each year.

"This year has posed many challenges to everyone and every sector globally. Yet this should not stop us from celebrating the sportsmen and women that hoisted that national flag high in 2019. Their feats are still vivid in our hearts. You deserve your crowns," Nyende said

Sports fans will also have the chance to vote their outstanding sports personality in the Fans Choice category.

To vote, visit www.uspa.press