In a night of celebration for Uganda’s sports and media industries, Salt Media’s Geoffrey Mugerwa was crowned the MTN-FUFA Media Personality of the year at a glamorous awards ceremony on Friday. The veteran sports presenter, who has been with Salt Media for 10 consecutive years, dedicated his win to the organization’s CEO, Pastor Aloysius Bujjingo, for giving him a platform to excel.
Meanwhile, Denis Omedi (Kitara FC) and Zainah Nandede (Kampala Queens) took home the top football honours at the 2024 MTN-FUFA awards, each winning a brand-new car for their outstanding performances.
Mugerwa’s emotional tribute to pastor Bujjingo during a special Sunday service at Canan Land in Makerere Kikoni, Mugerwa, accompanied by his co-presenter Abel Kitaka, presented his award to Pastor Bujjingo in a moving gesture of gratitude.
“Thank you, pastor, for giving me a chance,” Mugerwa said. “You have seen me grow, and I am still exploring greater heights.”
Abel Kitaka, Mugerwa’s colleague on Salt Media’s sports programs, also celebrated the win, stating:
in his remarks, Pastor Bujjingo commended Mugerwa and the Salt Media Sports team for maintaining high ethical standards in sports journalism, despite the financial temptations of betting and alcohol sponsorships.
“We stood firm not to associate with betting companies and alcohol, which mainly sponsor sports programs,” Bujjingo said. “i am so grateful that these boys give you clean sports, and their work is being rewarded.”
He concluded with a prayer for Mugerwa to defend his title next year or for Abel Kitaka to claim the award in the future.
Omedi triumphed over strong contenders like Patrick Jonah Kakande, Ronald Ssekiganda, Jude Ssemugabi, and Allan Okello.
His rabona goal against KCCA FC (nominated for CAF’s best goal of the year and FIFA puskás award) cemented his status as one of Uganda’s finest strikers.
Nandede shocked many by beating favourite Agnes Nabukenya, thanks to her six league goals for Kampala Queens and her role in Uganda’s bronze medal win at the 2024 Africa Games in Ghana.
Past MTN-FUFA award winners
2024: Denis omedi / Zainah nandede
2021: Bobosi Byaruhanga / Fauzia najjemba
2019: Allan Okello / Juliet Nalukenge
