The October Fortebet Real Stars Awards ceremony, held at Molecule Restaurant in Kololo on Tuesday, celebrated three outstanding athletes whose performances on the international and national stage brought pride to Uganda.
Boxing Champion Takes Centre Stage
Africa boxing champion Vanessa Nagawa was the headline honoree, earning recognition for her remarkable run at the continental championship. The featherweight (57 kg) boxer, who is also a Senior Three student at Entebbe Parents School, claimed gold at the Africa Boxing Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, where she recorded two knockout victories on her path to the title.
Nagawa, who trains with Katabi Boxing Club and was part of the national Bombers team, was one of five Ugandan boxers to strike gold at the Kasarani-hosted event. She edged out Germany-based IBO European Super Welterweight title holder Muzamir Kakande for the monthly accolade.
Real Stars Awards CEO Isaac Mukasa explained why the young boxer stood out. "We awarded her for becoming the first Ugandan woman to win gold at such a big stage, but particularly for registering two knockouts en route to winning the gold medal," he said.
Nagawa, who has her sights set on qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, expressed gratitude to the Uganda Boxing Federation for organizing the Champions League, which she said has kept fighters active and sharp. She also thanked her fans for their unwavering support.
Kato's Wonder Goal Earns Recognition
Kyaggwe's Masaza Cup-winning goal scorer George Kato shared the monthly honors after his spectacular strike secured a 1-0 victory over Gomba in the final. Mukasa noted that the goal had drawn attention from football scouts around the world, making the award a fitting motivator for the young talent.
Kato dedicated the recognition to his coaches, particularly Ronald Ssali, whom he credited with shaping the team's success.
Teen Table Tennis Star Honored
Junior table tennis player Joseph Sebatindira was also celebrated after clinching gold at the ITTF World Hopes Challenge in Sheffield, England, where he overcame a field of 18 seeded players in the Under-12 category. Currently representing Uganda at the Africa Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, Sebatindira was represented at the ceremony by Diana Nalugga, who received the award on his behalf.
Lifetime Achievement Honors
The organizers also presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to long-serving football coach Richard Ssali, who guided Kyaggwe to the Masaza Cup title, and county chief Vincent Matovu Ssekiboobo. Ssekiboobo was recognized for his relentless efforts in steering Kyaggwe to its first-ever Masaza Cup crown.
The county chief thanked supporters, players, and everyone who contributed to the historic triumph, and set his sights on defending the title. "We want to make history by becoming the first county to defend the accolade," he said.
The awards were presented by representatives of the sponsors, including Resty Mbatidde for Fortebet, Laura Kahunda for Jude Color Solutions, and Maya Hassan for Molecule Restaurant. Since their inception in 2018, the monthly Fortebet Real Stars Awards have recognized hundreds of sportsmen and women across Uganda.
