Okello, Nalukenge reign at awards
Camera moment. Allan Okello (left) and Juliet Nalukenge after winning. Photo by John Batannude.
What you need to know:
- Nonetheless, Okello, who prevailed over KCCA and Uganda Cranes teammate Mustafa Kizza and Proline’s Bright Anukani embraced the moment.
On the night when the Airtel-Fufa awards organizers seemed to have overcome their well-earned reputation for controversy, they inexplicably staged a dreary awards night devoid of the anticipated glittering pomp, actual entertainment and a sumptuous dinner.
The only anxious moment on Saturday night at Speke Resort Munyonyo was provided when guest of honour Prof Mondo Kagonyera read out Allan Okello’s name as the new winner and when Juliet Nalukenge was declared the queen of Ugandan football in 2019.
The awards dinner, sponsored to the tune of Shs100m by Airtel, had no dinning moment but a few snacks and the queer classroom-like sitting arrangement made many invited guests uncomfortable with many leaving before the big crowning moment.
Nonetheless, Okello, who prevailed over KCCA and Uganda Cranes teammate Mustafa Kizza and Proline’s Bright Anukani embraced the moment.
“I want to thank the KCCA technical staff, my teammates and coach Mike Mutebi for making us what we are today. This wonderful day goes out to my late mum (Joan Agomu) and lovely dad Patrick Ojom (RIP), you always supported me through the journey thank you so much,” revealed Okello before he was hand a brand new white Subaru Forester.
Nalukenge, who shoved off stiff competition from Hasfa Nassunna and Fauzia Najjemba to win the Subaru Forester car prize was equally overwhelmed.
Okello at a glance
Date of birth: July 4 2000 (age 19)
Place of birth; Lira, Uganda
Height; 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing position; Attacking midfielder
Parents: Patrick Ojom, Joan Agomu (both deceased)
All Winners:
Male Footballer of the Year: Allan Okello
Female Footballer of the Year: Juliet Nalukenge
Fans Team of the year: Acholi Province
Beach Soccer Player of the Year: Sulaiman Ochero
Member Association of the Year: Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA)
Fans Favourite Foreign based player of the Year: Abdul Lumala
Upcoming Talent of the Year: Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa & Uganda U-20)
Best Squad (Team): Team of 1978
Fair Play Award: Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)
Airtel – FUFA Women Football Coach of the Year: Ayub Khalifa
Fufa Male Football Coach of the Year: Shafiq Bisaso (Former Proline Head Coach)
Male Best XI: Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Paul Willa, Mustafa Kizza, John Revita, Halid Lwaliwa, Allan Kayiwa, Allan Okello, Shafiq Kagimu, Viane Ssekajugo, Mike Mutyaba, Bright Anukani
