A new wave of motivation is sweeping through the 2025/26 StarTimes Uganda Premier League as the Man of the Match token initiative continues to take root.
The programme which rewards top performers in every league fixture with Shs100,000 is inspiring players to raise their standards compete passionately and value every minute on the pitch. For many players the recognition goes beyond the financial token. It is a symbol of appreciation professionalism and belief in their contribution to the game.
The initiative reflects FUFA continued effort to uplift player morale promote excellence and enhance the competitive spirit of the league. According to FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein the project has already registered success with matchdays covered and winners rewarded promptly through the partnership with World Planet Communications Limited.
‘For the players it is not just about the money. It is about knowing that their efforts are recognised and valued. They are not just playing for the love of the game. They are playing for their families communities and the future’ noted Hussein.
Impact felt on the pitch
URA FC winger Moses Aliro Okabo who shone in the 3–2 victory over UPDF FC on Matchday five expressed gratitude for the recognition.
‘This is a great move by FUFA and UPL. It shows that our efforts are seen and appreciated. As players it motivates us to work even harder and stay consistent in every game’ said Aliro.
His teammate Justine Opiro who scooped the award in the goalless draw against Lugazi FC said the initiative has given players something extra to play for.
‘This kind of recognition gives us purpose and belief. Every player now knows that good performances will not go unnoticed’ Opiro shared.
KCCA FC forward Ivan Ahimbisibwe who earned the accolade in the 2–1 win over SC Villa said the initiative brings a professional touch to the domestic game.
At Entebbe UPPC FC midfielder Isa Bugembe hailed the idea as inclusive and motivating for players from every club. Calvary FC custodian Emmanuel Derrick Were described it as a game-changer that boosts confidence and gives meaning to performance.
Players shining brightest
After five match days three players have already won the Man of the Match award twice each. They are: Steven Munguchi (Entebbe UPPC FC), Ibrahim Mugulusi (BUL FC) and Bedia Djuma Ikamba (Police FC).
Distribution of winners by club
| Club | Number of MOTM winners |
| BUL FC | 4 |
| Entebbe UPPC FC | 3 |
| Police FC | 3 |
| Buhimba United Saints FC | 3 |
| KCCA FC | 3 |
| NEC FC | 3 |
| Kitara FC | 2 |
| Express FC | 2 |
| URA FC | 2 |
| Mbarara City FC | 2 |
| Maroons FC | 2 |
| Lugazi FC | 2 |
| SC Villa | 2 |
| Vipers SC | 1 |
| UPDF FC | 1 |
| Calvary FC | 1 |
Full list of man of the match winners up to matchday five
Denis Ssewagudde (BUL FC), John Wesley Kisaakye (Buhimba United Saints FC), Sharifu Ssengendo (KCCA FC), Sharif Saaka (Lugazi FC), Reagan Matege (Mbarara City FC), Yosia Kisa (Express FC), Isa Bugembe (Entebbe UPPC FC), Ibrahim Mugulusi (BUL FC), Bedia Djuma Ikamba (Police FC), Ronald Media Innocent (NEC FC), Samuel Kayongo Ssekamatte (UPDF FC), Swadik Moro (Buhimba United Saints FC), Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC), Rogers Kiwanuka (Maroons FC), Steven Munguchi (Entebbe UPPC FC), Edson Agondeze (Buhimba United Saints FC), Juma Mutebi (Lugazi FC), Ibrahim Thembo (Mbarara City FC), Muhammed Kagawa Ssenoga (Express FC), Dhata Joseph Stephen Lujang (NEC FC), Justine Opiro (URA FC), Emmanuel Derrick Were (Calvary FC), Ibrahim Mugulusi (BUL FC), Sammy Raynald Ssebaduka (KCCA FC), Jimmy Kalema (Kitara FC), Charles Lwanga (SC Villa), Steven Munguchi (Entebbe UPPC FC), Bedia Djuma Ikamba (Police FC), Moses Aliro Okabo (URA FC), Henry Patrick Kaddu (Kitara FC), Walter Ochora (BUL FC), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC), Alfred Macumu Mudekereza (Vipers SC), Hudson Mbalire (NEC FC)
As the season progresses the FUFA and UPL Man of the Match token continues to transform player motivation reward excellence and add competitive vibrancy to the league. By recognising individual brilliance FUFA and UPL are strengthening the values of hard work passion and professionalism which are the pillars of Uganda’s football development.
