In the spacious leafy compound of the historical Butikiro in Mengo, Kampala; the first ever Buganda Kingdom sports awards on an odd day, a Tuesday, in the morning.
The awards ceremony was graced by the prime minister (Katikiro) of Buganda Kingdom Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga.
In between the ceremony, the heavens set loose with a down-pour that lasted for about 30 minutes.
Normally, in Buganda’s culture, rains are a blessing in whichever amount received.
It goes without a saying therefore that the rains on the maiden sports awards day in Buganda were a total blessing.
The awards were held under the theme; “Excite, Inspire, Recognize” that the Katikiro politely requested to be transcribed to the rich Luganda dialect.
In his elaborate address to the smartly clad guests seated in three different tents, the Katikiro lauded the initiative of holding such awards.
“This is great” the eloquent premier opened up. “Such an awards ceremony is important to appreciate the people who have done good to sports. Sports is vital for creating happiness. It is a source of income and I encourage many to take upon sports” he added.
Oweek. Robert Sserwanga Ssalongo, the kingdom minister of sports, youth and arts commended the local organizing committee for the awards, the sports committees, Masaza heads and all the sporting actors for the collective work undertaken.
I am glad that the first ever awards are happening at Butikiro. This is the start and we shall keep getting better. I thank the organizing committee for the awards, sports committees, Masaza heads and their committees and the all the sportsmen and women. We shall keep getting better and better.
Oweek. Robert Sserwanga Ssalongo, the kingdom minister of sports, youth and arts
Different sports committee members for the various games engaged in the Kingdom, outstanding personalities, outstanding counties (Masaza’s), members on the awards organizing committee and an outspoken supporter were all rewarded handsomely.
Certificates and beautifully crafted plaques were all appreciated before a sumptuous luncheon was served, to all.
Awards proper:
Sports personalities in football, netball, cycling, omweso, traditional wrestling (Kigwo), golf and traditional boat riding (amaato) were all recognized.
Pius Sebuulime Buddu Ssaza football captain was singled out (by journalists).
Uganda She Cranes and Nnyonnyo Nnyange clan player Rachael Nanyonga was rewarded in netball.
Case medicare’s Dr. Kato Ssebale was rewarded as the most supportive golf person.
Aziz Ssempijja and Kevin Nakato were the male and female best cyclists respectively.
The youngest mweso player was 17-year-old Quraish Kawuuki (Mawogola Ssaza).
Another 17-year-old Jamil Kizito was Kigwo’s youngest player.
Nicholas Ssebuwuufu was rewarded as the best fan for his unwavering support for Bika and Masaza tournaments.
Other awards:
The best Ggombolola Cup outstanding Committee award went to Mutuba I Mazinga ( Ssese), the most supportive host institution was Kawanda Secondary School whilst two schools with highest number of teams (Wampewo Ntake Secondary School & St Julian brought 7 teams each) were also rewarded.
For embracing women sport (Ggombolola Cup, the counties of Bulemeezi, Gomba, Kabula, Mawogola and Mawokota were appreciated.
Busiro Ssaza’ Sinan Waiswa was the overall team media officer.
For amaato (boat riding), the outstanding was Buweekula Ssaza’s Allen Nagirinya.
The event is planned to be an annual one.
Outstanding personalities:
- Journalist choice football: Pius Sebuulime (Buddu Ssaza)
- Journalist choice netball: Rachael Nanyonga (Nnyonnyi Nnyange clan)
- Most supportive golf person: Dr Ssebale Kato
- Best fan: Nicholas Ssebuwuufu (Support for Bika and Masaza tournament)
- Best female cyclist: Kevin Nakato (won two out of the three races)
- Best male cyclist: Aziz Ssempijja (won all the three races he participated)
- Youngest Mweso player: Quraish Kawuuki (Mawogola Ssaza) – 17 years old
- Youngest Kigwo player: Jamil Kizito – 17 years old
- Ggombolola Cup outstanding Committee award: Mutuba I Mazinga ( Ssese)
- Most supportive host institution: Kawanda Secondary School
- Schools with highest number of teams: Wampewo Ntake Secondary School & St Julian brought 7 teams each
- Embracing women sport (Ggombolola Cup): Bulemeezi, Gomba, Kabula, Mawogola and Mawokota
- Best team media officer: Sinan Waiswa (Busiro Ssaza)
- Amaato outstanding Committee: Allen Nagirinya (Buweekula Ssaza)
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