Watambala caps title-winning season with MVP award as Vipers dominate SUPL Awards

Newly crowned StarTimes Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC were the biggest winners at the 2025/26 StarTimes Uganda Premier League Awards held at Kati Kati in Lugogo on Friday.

Midfielder Abdul Karim Watambala crowned an outstanding season by being named the league’s Most Valuable Player, adding an individual highlight to Vipers’ successful title-winning campaign.

The Venoms, who secured their eighth league crown, also saw head coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert recognised as Coach of the Season after leading the club to a successful title defence.

Vipers’ Rogers Ochaki Torach completed the club’s strong showing by winning Goal of the Season for his spectacular strike against Lugazi at St Mary’s Stadium, a goal voted the best of the 2025/26 campaign.

Torach’s goal: https://x.com/VipersSC/status/2060402843572437344?s=20

Elsewhere, NEC goalkeeper Hannington Sebwalunyo – also famous for his penalty taking skills – was rewarded for an impressive season between the posts with the Golden Glove award.

KCCA striker Ivan Ahimbisibwe claimed the Golden Boot after finishing as the league’s leading scorer with 14 goals.

UPDF youngster Enrique Lubwama was named Young Player of the Season, highlighting his emergence as one of the brightest talents in the division.

The army side also received the Fair Play Team award in recognition of their discipline and sportsmanship throughout the season.

The prestigious Platinum Award was presented to Constance Catherine Adipo Wejuli, a Ugandan sports scientist, pioneering FIFA referee, educator and football administrator. 

Adipo Wejuli is recognised as the first female FIFA referee in East and Central Africa and has played a significant role in football development and refereeing at national, continental and global levels.

The awards ceremony also unveiled the StarTimes Uganda Premier League Best XI for the 2025/26 season, celebrating the standout performers across the campaign.

Awards Winners – 2025/26

Most Valuable Player: Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers SC)

Coach of the Season: Ivan Jacky Minnaert (Vipers SC)

Goal of the Season: Rogers Ochaki Torach (Vipers SC)

Golden Boot: Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC)

Golden Glove: Hannington Sebwalunyo (NEC FC)

Young Player of the Season: Enrique Lubwama (UPDF FC)

Fair Play Team: UPDF FC

Platinum Award: Constance Catherine Adipo Wejuli

Best XI – 2025/26 Season

• Hannington Sebwalunyo
• Jonathan Odongo
• Herbert Achayi
• Hilary Mukundane
• Kevin Dasyla Bady
• Issa Bugembe
• Joseph Seremba
• Abdul Karim Watambala
• Usama Kiza Arafat
• Ivan Ahimbisibwe
• Hassan Mubiru