Adrian Kasito was named the best player of the season at the 2022 Uganda Rugby Awards held on Friday evening at Serena Hotel in Kampala.
Kasito of KOBs beat favorite Aaron Ofoyrwoth who had guided Heathens to a 15s league title.
Both players were however equally influential for the Uganda Sevens at the Commonwealth games in Birmingham and World Cup in Cape Town.
Ivan Magomu (Pirates) and Jacob Ocen (Jinja Hippos) were the other two nominees for the MVP gong.
“This means a lot to me, I don’t think it’s easy against the best in the country, personally I am happy about the win but I think everyone who was nominated deserved the award,” Kasito said afterwards.
“I give this to my teammates, coaches and fans who have been there for us. I couldn’t have gone this far without them.
“Awards are a good motivation to players, it’s these small things that get us going.”
The event was well attended and organised with top dignitaries including State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang and Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua.
Ogwang said that Uganda Rugby Union is one of the most organised Federations, and said that Government is committed to support them. He also stated that Rugby deserves to get more funding because they qualified the team to the World Cup.
He added that will be with the Uganda Sevens in Dubai for the the HSBC.
The Minister who commended Sponsors Nile Sponsors, confirmed that the new home for the Uganda Rugby Cranes will be Namboole, who’s first phase will be completed in six months time.
The Female MVP of the Year award went to Peace Lekuru (Avengers) beating off resistance from Charlotte Mudoola (Black Pearls), Faith Namugga (Avengers) and Angela Nanyonjo (Avengers).
Full List of Winners
*Upcoming Women Player of the year – Maimuna Nassozi (Avengers)
*Upcoming Men Player of the year – Okello Malcom (Heathens)
*Top scorer – Liam Walker (Buffaloes), 120 points
*Most Tries Scorer – Scott Oluoch (Heathens)
*Referee of the Year – Ronald Butimba
*Best Coach (International) – Tolbert Onyango (Uganda Sevens)
*Best Coach (Domestic) – Athiyo Muhammad (Heathens)
*Fair Play Award – Mongers
*Team Manager of the Year – Geoffrey Olum (Heathens)
*Outstanding Association of the Year – Uganda Rugby Medical Association
*Best Performing Region – Eastern Region
*Best Journalists – Ramzan Kakooza (Bukedde TV) & Deus Bugembe (Daily Monitor)
*Best Player (Female) – Peace Lekuru (Avengers)
*Best Player (Male) – Adrian Kasito (KOBs)
