Local Football Appreciation Awards expand to 39 categories as second edition is launched in Kampala
The second edition of the Local Football Appreciation Awards (LFA Awards) has been officially launched in Kampala, with organisers promising a bigger and more inclusive celebration of Uganda’s football ecosystem.
The launch event took place at CHINT Centre and brought together key figures from the country’s football fraternity.
The ceremony was hosted by Gystin Angarukiremu and featured a panel comprising Charles Masembe, football analyst Aldrine Nsubuga, CHINT Head of Corporate and Public Affairs John Kimbowa, and Raymond Kayungirizi, who represented the organisers.
Following a successful maiden edition in 2025, organisers have expanded this year’s awards from 30 to 39 categories to recognise more contributors across Uganda’s domestic football landscape.
According to Kayungirizi, the awards are designed to focus on appreciation rather than merely identifying the best performers.
“Sometimes your best is not my best, but once someone is nominated it means they have made a meaningful contribution to the game,” he explained.
“We have also added new categories to celebrate different aspects of football so that no stakeholder is left out.”
The 2026 awards ceremony is scheduled for June, with organisers introducing a new initiative — a Legends Dinner — intended to strengthen engagement within the football community.
The pre-event will take place on June 5 and will bring together retired players, established stars and emerging professionals.
Kayungirizi noted that the dinner is intended to make the awards sustainable while creating networking opportunities, particularly for young professionals entering the football industry.
“Young professionals will have the opportunity to sit with people they have watched on television and learn from them. That interaction is important for the growth of the industry,” he said.
Nsubuga welcomed the initiative and emphasised the need to recognise football supporters as well.
“I always say I am first a Kampala Capital City Authority FC supporter before anything else,” he said.
“Fans are often the most underrated people in football, yet they remain loyal regardless of results.”
He also praised companies that invest in football, noting that corporate support remains vital to the sport’s growth.
With nominations and public voting set to take place throughout May, the expanded LFA Awards aim to celebrate the many individuals and institutions whose efforts continue to shape Ugandan football both on and off the pitch.
