The Uganda Premier League has celebrated the leading performers of the 2025/26 season, with Vipers SC midfielder Abdul Karim Watambala emerging as the biggest winner after being named the leagueβs Most Valuable Player.
The end-of-season awards ceremony, held at Kati Kati in Kampala on 29 May, recognised players, coaches, teams and administrators who made significant contributions during a campaign that organisers said reflected the growing strength of Ugandan football.
Watambalaβs award capped an impressive season for the Vipers SC midfielder, whose performances were marked by consistency, creativity and influential displays in the centre of the pitch.
His recognition also highlighted Vipersβ strong presence throughout the awards, underlining the clubβs successful league campaign.
The celebrations provided a showcase for the depth of talent emerging across East African football, with young prospects, experienced professionals and administrators all receiving recognition for their achievements.
One of the eveningβs most notable honours went to Enrique Lubwama of UPDF FC, who was named Young Player of the Season.
The award recognised his development and impact during the campaign, reinforcing the growing reputation of Ugandaβs domestic league as a platform for nurturing future stars.
In attack, KCCA FC forward Ivan Ahimbisibwe collected the Golden Boot after finishing the season as the leagueβs leading scorer. His goals played a crucial role for his club and earned him a place in the leagueβs Best XI.
Meanwhile, NEC FC goalkeeper Hannington Sebwalunyo was rewarded for a series of impressive displays with the Golden Glove award.
His performances between the posts also secured him a place in the Team of the Season.
The Coach of the Season award went to Vipers SC manager Ivan Jacky Minnaert.
The Belgian coach was recognised for his leadership and tactical influence during a successful campaign for the club.
Vipersβ dominance was further reflected when Rogers Ochaki Torach won the Goal of the Season award for a strike judged to be the standout effort of the year.
UPDF FC also left the ceremony with silverware after being named Fair Play Team of the Season.
The club recorded the best disciplinary record in the league, receiving only 32 yellow cards and a single red card throughout the campaign.
Beyond performances on the field, the Uganda Premier League also honoured long-term contributions to the game.
The Platinum Award was presented to Ms Constance Catherine Adipo Wejuli for her outstanding service to football.
A sports scientist, educator, football administrator and trailblazing referee, Ms Wejuli is widely recognised as the first female FIFA referee in East and Central Africa.
She has also served in various football development roles within FUFA, CAF and FIFA structures.
The ceremony additionally unveiled the Uganda Premier League Best XI of the Season, featuring players from Vipers SC, NEC FC, KCCA FC, UPPC FC, Entebbe UPPC FC and SC Villa.
Speaking during the event, Uganda Premier League Chief Executive Officer Bainamani Bernard Bampaire praised the progress made during the season.
βThis season has showcased the depth of talent in our league, the rising standards of coaching and the continued evolution of Ugandan football,β he said.
For Ugandan football, the awards ceremony was more than a celebration of individual achievement.
It served as a reflection of a league that continues to develop its talent base, improve competitive standards and strengthen its place within the wider East African football landscape.
