Overview:

Omedi beat off competition from SC Villa duo Patrick Jonah Kakande and Ronald Ssekiganda, Kitara’s Jude Ssemugabi, and Vipers’ Allan Okello to claim the top individual men’s prize, driving away in a new Subaru. In the women’s category, Zainah Nandede saw off Kawempe Muslim’s Agnes Nabukenya and teammates Shamirah Nalugya, Daisy Nakaziro, and Lady Doves’ Resty Kobusobozi.

Denis Omedi and Zainah Nandede left the Kampala Serena Hotel as proud owners of brand-new cars after being crowned Male and Female Players of the Year at the 2024 MTN FUFA Awards on Friday night.

Omedi, now with Rwanda’s APR, was recognised for an outstanding season in which he played a key role in guiding the Uganda Cranes to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals and Kitara to the club’s most successful campaign. 

The striker netted 15 goals for Kitara last season and inspired them to their first-ever Stanbic Uganda Cup triumph.

His sensational rabona goal against KCCA in the Super 8 earned nominations for both CAF and FIFA top scoring awards, further cementing his growing reputation. 

He beat off competition from SC Villa duo Patrick Jonah Kakande and Ronald Ssekiganda, Kitara’s Jude Ssemugabi, and Vipers’ Allan Okello to claim the top individual men’s prize, driving away in a new Subaru.

In the women’s category, Zainah Nandede saw off Kawempe Muslim’s Agnes Nabukenya and teammates Shamirah Nalugya, Daisy Nakaziro, and Lady Doves’ Resty Kobusobozi.

Nandede played a vital role in helping the Uganda U20 women’s team, the Queen Cranes, secure bronze at the 2024 African Games in Ghana. 

She also scored six league goals for Kampala Queens, propelling them to a second-place finish in the FUFA Women Super League.

The night’s festivities were a celebration of excellence in Ugandan football, and the organisers pledged even bigger things for next year.

“Tonight is a beautiful day,” said Rogers Byamukama, chairperson of the awards organising committee and FUFA Executive Committee Member. 

“We are not just here to celebrate footballers, but everyone who supports the beautiful game. We pledge that the 2024/25 season awards will be even bigger.”

FUFA President Moses Magogo added: “The last time we had these awards, I promised the next would be broadcast live. Now FUFA TV is doing exactly that.”

List of Winners – 2024 MTN FUFA Awards

Male Player of the Year
 Denis Omedi – APR (honoured for his performances at Kitara)

Female Player of the Year
 Zainah Nandede – Kampala Queens

Male Coach of the Year
 Brian Ssenyondo – Uganda Cubs

Women’s Football Coach of the Year
 Ayub Khalifah – Kawempe Muslim

FUFA Goal of the Year
 Denis Omedi – Rabona vs KCCA (Super 8)

Upcoming Talent Award
 James Bogere – Sunshine FC / Uganda Cubs

Beach Soccer Player of the Year
 Brian Nkuubi

Futsal Player of the Year
 Ilyas Omar Omran – Kisenyi FC

FUFA Member Associations’ Award
 Futsal Association Uganda

Fans of the Year (FUFA Competitions)
 Birangirangi Group

FUFA Presidential Award
 Ashford Mamelodi

Fans’ Ugandan Foreign-Based Player of the Year
 Rogers Mato – Uganda Cranes

Best Squad of a Particular Year
 Uganda Cubs

MTN Media Personality of the Year

  • Male: Geoffrey Mugerwa – Salt TV

  • Female: Catherine Nassali – FUFA TV

Best XI – 2024

Male Best XI
 GK: Hannington Sebwalunyo
 Defenders: Geraga Atendele, Nicholas Mwere, Hillary Mukundane, Arnold Odong
 Midfielders: Enock Ssebagala, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Ronald Ssekiganda
 Forwards: Allan Okello, Denis Omedi, Jude Ssemugabi

Female Best XI
 GK: Daisy Nakaziro
 Defenders: Jolly Kobusinge, Samalie Nakacwa, Auki Kigongo, Shakirah Nankwanga
 Midfielders: Zainah Nandede, Phiona Nabulime, Resty Kobusobozi
 Forwards: Shamirah Nalugya, Agnes Nabukenya, Sylvia Kabene