Rally driver Hassan Alwi took centre stage as the standout winner at the March Fortebet Real Stars Sports Monthly Awards, following his impressive performance at the start of the National Rally Championship season.
The awards ceremony was held at the Nanjing Restaurant and Motel in Kololo, Kampala on Tuesday, 7th April, bringing together athletes, sponsors, and sports stakeholders to celebrate excellence across different disciplines.
Alwi was named the best rally driver of the month after winning the opening round of the KCB National Rally Championship. He outperformed Oscar Ntambi, who went on to win the Africa Rally Championship 2 category, and Moses Lumala, who finished second at the NRC opener in Mbale.
Speaking after receiving the accolade alongside his co-driver, Alwi described the recognition as both unexpected and motivating.
“It has been a great surprise to be recognized, thanks to Fortebet. We are very honored to be chosen and we want to continue raising the Ugandan flag. It is a kind of motivation,” he said.
While Alwi headlined the event, other athletes were also recognised for their outstanding performances. In athletics, Jacob Kiplimo emerged winner after beating Sarah Chelangat and Abbey Chelangat, thanks to his remarkable run at the World Half Marathon in Lisbon.
Kiplimo set a new world half marathon record of 57 minutes and 20 seconds on March 8, earning his third Real Stars athletics award in six months. He had also won the January accolade following his cross-country victory in Tallahassee, Florida.
In boxing, David Ssemujju Kavuma was honoured after successfully defending his WBO Asia Pacific and Japanese national welterweight titles. He edged Farahat Manirola, who had been seeking his third award and recently made history as the first Ugandan boxer to win a bout on Russian soil. Saiya Nsubuga finished third in the category after impressing at the Intermediate Boxing Championship.
In football, female players dominated the category, with Maureen Kizza of Uganda Martyrs Lubaga taking top spot ahead of Kenyan forward Marion Serenga of St. Noa Girls and Jovia Nakagolo of Kawempe Muslim Ladies.
The event was attended by representatives from sponsors, including Fortebet Uganda, Jude Colour Solutions, as well as athletes and their representatives who received awards on behalf of the winners.
