KAMPALA, June 30, 2023 – The Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) on June 5, 2023 during its Assembly for the month of May launched its monthly media awards to be sponsored by Kansai Plascon Uganda, Ltd.
The May gathering held at the Imperial Hotel, Kampala, saw the signing of a three-year partnership worth UGX300million (75,000 Euros) between the USPA and Kansai Plascon Uganda.
The sponsorship will cover the Sports Journalist of the Month, Twaake Moment of the Month as well as the annual USPA road safety campaign.
Starting from June 2023, the Plascon-USPA Media Awards will see two sports journalists - one from Print/Website and another from Broadcast - rewarded with a plaque and cash prize of UGX300,000 each for their outstanding work, which would be selected from a number of submissions by a panel of judges.
The jury includes Mr. Sabitti Muwanga – former USPA President & former Editor at New Vision; Dr. John Baptist Imokola – (Lecturer of Journalism - MAK & former Head of News Next Media Services); Mr Robert Madoi – USPA member (Lecturer of journalism & seasoned columnist). Other members on the team are: - Moses Alsayed Lubega – USPA President, Communication strategist, Editor & publisher with Fountain publishers. - Dorothy Nekesa – USPA Assistant Organizing Secretary, writer with The Workers Eye.
Only works published in the month under review, for instance between 1st to 30th June, are eligible. The top three nominees in each category will be named before the Monthly Assembly, then the winners will be announced and rewarded at the Monthly Assembly.
The Twaake Moment of the Month is aligned to the Plascon sports campaign called Twaake, which urges fans to “show their colours” for their respective clubs and teams at sports venues during competitions. This award will reward the journalist who captures the best Twaake moment of the month under review with UGX250,000. The top three moments will be selected by a panel of judges but fans will vote for the winner via Plascon and USPA’s social media platforms.
Plascon Managing Director Santosh Gumte said: “USPA has been one of the longest and consistent supporters of Uganda’s sports. Through the sports journalists many sports disciplines have received a voice and a platform to be seen, heard and endear themselves to fans. You have supported athletes over the years, and crucially held administrators accountable. For this, we are grateful to partner with you because of the shared objective of promoting sports growth in this country.”
USPA president Moses Lubega said: “We are grateful that a brand of Plascon’s stature has sought to associate with USPA. This means it has appreciated what we are doing and would like to push us further. But in turn we also pledge to support the brand in its endeavours. Our work begins now. We need to prove that a partnership with USPA is worth the while.”
