LFA Awards: Four Women Stars Nominated for Prestigious Mbekeka Oliver Award

The race for the Mbekeka Oliver Award, presented to the Best Women’s Player of the Year at the Local Football Appreciation Awards, has brought together four of the brightest stars in Ugandan women’s football.

This year’s shortlist features Agnes Nabukenya and Latifah Nakasi of Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Jesca Namanda of She Corporate FC, and Patricia Nayiga of St Noa Girls FC.

Agnes Nabukenya enjoyed an outstanding campaign, playing a key role in Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC’s league triumph. The midfielder finished the season with 10 goals and nine assists, statistics that reflected both her creativity and consistency throughout the title-winning campaign.

Her impressive year also extended to the international stage, where she represented the Uganda U20 Women’s National Team during the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Her teammate Latifah Nakasi was equally influential during Kawempe Muslim’s successful season. The forward scored 15 goals, delivering crucial performances and establishing herself as one of the league’s most dangerous attackers.

At She Corporate FC, Jesca Namanda produced a remarkable individual campaign despite her side narrowly missing out on the league title after finishing second.

Namanda ended the season as the league’s joint top scorer with 15 goals and also contributed four assists. Her outstanding performances earned her two Player of the Month awards, underlining the impact she made throughout the campaign.

Patricia Nayiga also earned her place among the nominees following another impressive season with St Noa Girls FC. Her consistency and influence throughout the season made her one of the standout performers in the league.

Last year’s award was won by former She Makerere WFC and Gokulam Kerala FC Women striker Sharon Namatovu, who claimed the honour after finishing as the top scorer in the 2024/25 FUFA Women Super League season.

With all four nominees enjoying memorable campaigns, the battle for this year’s Mbekeka Oliver Award is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated moments at the Local Football Awards ceremony in women’s football.