KCCA Football Club’s Joseph Ochaya was Friday named Azam Uganda Premier League (UPL) Player of the Year 2015/16 in a colorful ceremony at Serena Hotel, Kampala.
Chief guest was Special Forces Commander Major Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba who handed Ochaya keys to the top award, a Subaru Forester.
Ochaya edged out Erisa Ssekisambu of Vipers and URA’s Robert Ssentongo for the honour.
Ochaya scored seven goals as KCCA lifted an eleventh championship while Ssentongo finished the football season as the golden boot winner with 18 goals. Viper’s Ssekisambu was second with 16 goals.
Mike Mutebi who guided KCCA to their league triumph was named Coach of the Year in an event that also had awards for outstanding journalists and referees.
Maj Gen Kainerugaba hailed Ugandan football leaders, FUFA President Moses Magogo and UPL Board Chairman Arinaitwe Rugyendo, for recognising players’ achievements.
“Sports is a very good way of marketing the country as we see from other countries. I encourage all of us to support football and other sports. I wish you a fruitful 2016/17,” Kainerugaba said.
2016 Uganda Premier Awards
Footballer of the Season (MVP): Joseph Ochaya (KCCA)
BEST X: Muwanga, D.Okot, J. Ochaya, H.Lwaliwa, Walangarira, Kayiwa, M. Mutyaba, R. Wandyaka, R. Ssentongo, E. Sekisambu,Kayizzi
Goalkeeper of the Season: Mathias Muwanga (Sadolin Paints)
Defender of the Season: Musa Walangalira (JMC Hippos)
Midfielder of the Season: Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA)
Top Scorer: Robert Ssentongo (URA) – 18 goals
Coach of the Season: Mike Mutebi (KCCA)
Goalkeeping coach of the Season: Kenneth Magada (Sadolin Paints)
Young Player of the Season: Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers)
Life Time Achievers Award: Hadji Abbas KAWAASI
Best Referee – Brian Miiro
Best Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – KCCA’s David Tamale
Best Sports Journalists
Television – Clive Kyazze
Radio – Martin Kaddu
Photography – John Batanudde
Print – Elvis Senono
Online- Ismael Kiyonga