Long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo has been named Uganda’s Sports Personality of the Year for 2022. This is the first time he has received this award. He was recognized for winning gold medals in the 5,000 and 10,000-meter races at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Earlier in the year, he had also won a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, United States. Due to these achievements, he also received the Men’s Athlete of the Year award for 2022. Prisca Chesang was honored in the Women’s category.
The Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) and Nile Breweries organized the annual awards ceremony at the Imperial Royale hotel in Kampala. This event marked the return of the awards after a break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a special celebration that also acknowledged outstanding athletes from 2021.
In the delayed 2021 awards, Joshua Cheptegei won his third consecutive title, having previously won in 2018 and 2019. He was recognized for winning gold and silver medals in the 5,000 and 10,000-meter events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In addition to the Sports Personality award for 2021, Cheptegei was named the Men’s Athlete of the Year, while Peruth Chemutai received the honor in the Women’s category.
The awards ceremony, held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, was attended by nearly 500 guests, including Ambrose Tashobya, Chairman of the National Council of Sports, Fredrick Sekitto, the founder of USPA, Eng. Moses Magogo, President of FUFA, Dr. Donald Rukare, Chairman of the Uganda Olympic Committee, and Brig. Flavia Byekwaso, acting president of the Uganda Netball Federation.
The Uganda rugby Sevens team was awarded the best team award for 2022. Notable politicians, including Kampala Central Division Mayor Salim Uhuru and Member of Parliament for Bugiri Municipality, Asuman Basalirwa, were also present at the prestigious awards ceremony.
Several other individuals and teams received awards, including Mary Nuba (Netball, 2021), Dinesh Nakrani (Cricket, 2021), and Express FC (Football, 2021). The 2022 winners included Phillip Wokorach (Rugby Men), Charlotte Mudoola (Rugby Women), Milton Karisa (Football, Men), Tonny Drileba (Basketball, Men), Rose Akon (Basketball, Women), and Joan Nampungu (Netball), among others.