The Fortebet Real Stars Monthly Awards once again celebrated Uganda’s top sports performers, but this August edition came with a historic twist — a heartfelt tribute to 1978 AFCON Uganda Cranes legend, Abbey Nasur.
Unlike the usual glamour at Lazio Restaurant in Lugogo, this month’s ceremony was taken right to Naguru, at Nasur’s home. At 73 and battling ill health, the football icon was presented with a Life Achievers’ Award in recognition of his immense contribution to Ugandan football. The gesture was spearheaded by Real Stars Sports Agency CEO and aspiring Buikwe South MP, Isaac Mukasa, who said it was only fitting that the celebration be brought to the legend’s doorstep.
Nasur’s football journey began in Naguru Youth before stints at KCCA and Prison FC (now Maroons FC). He later made waves with Kenyan giants Gor Mahia in the 1980s. His crowning moment came at the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations, where he featured in Uganda’s only AFCON final appearance, though his time on the pitch was cut short after just 20 minutes due to a stomach problem in the 2-0 loss to Ghana.
Today, only three players from that historic 1978 squad remain alive — Abbey Nasur, Tom Lwanga, and Paul “Gogolimbo” Ssali.
“I’m deeply grateful for this honour. Thank you for remembering me,” Nasur said as he received the accolade, alongside a support package and donations from well-wishers, including musician and politician Nubian Li.
The ceremony also recognised other outstanding performers from August:
Ponsiano Lwakataka, who continued his dominant run by scooping the rally award for a second month in a row.
Rogers Torach, captain of the Uganda Cranes CHAN team, who took the footballer of the month honour.
The Fortebet Real Stars Awards have become a monthly tradition of spotlighting sporting excellence, but this edition stood out for blending recognition of today’s stars with a moving tribute to a living legend of Uganda’s greatest football story.
