Best of August*Basketball – Lydia Babirye*Football – Julius Ssenyonga (Ssingo)*Boxing – John Sserunjogi*Lifetime – Jocelyn Uchanda
Gazelles guard Lydia Babirye was among the top winners as the Fortebet Real Stars Sports Awards continued to honor outstanding achievements in sports.
Babirye was named the best basketball player for the month of August during a ceremony held on Tuesday at Lazo Restaurant in Kampala.
Babirye outperformed her competitors, Joel Lukoji of KIU Titans and Shakira Nanvubya of UCU Lady Canons, to clinch the coveted award.
Lydia Babirye (middle) after Uganda’s triumph at Lugogo. (Toni Kamau photo)
Her stellar performance played a pivotal role in helping Uganda qualify for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup, set to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from September 11-15, 2024.
Babirye was notably named the MVP at the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League in August, a qualifying tournament, held at Lugogo Hockey Grounds that attracted nations like Algeria, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, and Benin.
In her acceptance speech, Babirye expressed her gratitude, saying, “I thank, first of all, FUBA, my teammates, and coaches; this would not have been possible without their input. To the fans, media, and Real Stars Awards, I can’t thank you enough.”
Born in Kisoro, the Watoto alumni currently studies at Evangel University in the United States. She previously graduated from Victory Christian Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Other notable winners included boxer John Sserunjogi, who secured the African Boxing Union (ABU) Super Middleweight title in August after defeating Egypt’s Ahmed Boloshy in the 8th round at BMK House in Kampala. Conrad Sseruyange and David Ssemujju were the other nominees in the boxing category.
Boxer Joseph Sserunjogi
In football, Julius Ssenyonga of Ssingo (Masaza) was named the best player for August, having kept three clean sheets in as many games. He edged out Manuel Irivai and Robert Ssewanyana for the award.
Ssingo goalkeeper Julius Ssenyonga
The Lifetime Achievement Award also made a return, with She Cranes team manager Jocelyn Uchanda being honored for her immense contribution to netball in Uganda.
Uchanda receives the accolade from Real Star Awards CEO Isaac Mukasa
Uchanda, who also manages NIC, Uganda’s most successful netball team, was celebrated for her lasting impact on the sport.
Winners take home accolades and cash prizes, courtesy of sponsors Fortebet and Jude Colour Solutions.
Fortebet Uganda assistant media relations manager Resty Mbatidde Namugema
Jude Colour Solutions Promotions Manager Henry Zzimbe
Winners and officials
Lydia Babirye Among Winners at Fortebet Real Stars Sports Awards
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