Veteran Ugandan sports journalist and former footballer Yusuf Baliluno has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Real Stars Awards, recognising a career that has taken him from the football pitch to the press box and radio commentary booth.
Baliluno’s recognition celebrates decades of service to Ugandan football in multiple capacities, including as a player, journalist, commentator, supporter and promoter of the game.
Real Stars Awards CEO Isaac Mukasa said Baliluno’s contribution transcends his playing career and has continued to influence successive generations of Ugandan football.
“Yusuf Baliluno’s contribution to Ugandan football goes far beyond the years he spent as a player.
He has been part of the game in many different capacities—as a footballer, a sports journalist, a commentator, a supporter and someone who has consistently promoted Ugandan football,” Mukasa said.
Long before establishing himself as a respected voice in sports journalism at Buganda Kingdom founded CBS FM and later Radio 4, Baliluno was making his mark on the pitch.
His football journey started during his school days, when he represented Mater Maria and St. Benedict Swaya in Masaka.
His performances soon attracted attention, culminating in a move to Villa International after he was scouted by Kawalya while still in Senior Three.
The opportunity placed the young Baliluno in the company of some of the era’s established football figures, including Adam Semugabi, Steven Bogere and Sula Kato.
“To be identified as a young talent while still in Senior Three and given an opportunity to play for Villa International alongside some of the biggest names in Ugandan football at the time speaks volumes about his ability,” Mukasa added.
Baliluno’s playing career subsequently took him through several clubs and memorable campaigns.
He joined Bukedi Stars, helping the side secure promotion to the Super League, before turning out for Military Police, where he again played a role in a successful promotion campaign.
He later featured for Kampala UTODA and Mityana UTODA, with the latter reaching the Uganda Cup final during his spell at the club.
Among the intriguing assignments of his playing days was being charged with containing Hakim Magumba, one of the country’s most dangerous attackers at the time, renowned for his pace and ability to unsettle defenders.
That playing background would later complement Baliluno’s transition into sports journalism, giving him an unusual perspective from which to chronicle Ugandan football.
His Lifetime Achievement Award therefore represents more than recognition of a lengthy media career; it honours a football journey that has encompassed playing, reporting, commentary and sustained advocacy for the sport.
