Uganda’s outstanding sporting achievers were celebrated on Tuesday as the ForteBet Real Stars Awards recognised the country’s top performers for the month of July during a ceremony held at Nanjing Hotel in Kampala.
The monthly awards honoured excellence across Swimming (Para Sports), Archery, Basketball and Rally, with each winner being recognised for exceptional performances on the international stage that elevated Uganda’s profile.
Paralympic swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe emerged as one of the day’s biggest winners following her outstanding performance at the Commonwealth Games, where she won a silver medal in the SB8 100m Breaststroke.
Receiving the award on her behalf, Uganda Paralympic Committee Secretary Irene Nabiseke applauded the organisers for recognising para athletes, saying the awards continue to inspire athletes with disabilities to aim higher.
“We are proud to receive these awards. They show that our work to develop para sports is being noticed,” Nabiseke said.
She described Kukundakwe as one of the country’s most disciplined athletes, attributing her international success to hard work, commitment and consistency.
Uganda’s rising archery sensation Precious Allan Assimwe was honoured after winning a gold medal at the African Archery Championships in Oran, Algeria.
Having only discovered the sport two years ago in Kabale, an emotional Assimwe described the recognition as a major milestone in his career.
“This is my first award like this. I thank the Uganda Archery Association, my coach Aisha Namukwaya and the government for the support. It’s great to see talent from western Uganda being celebrated,” he said.
Uganda Archery Association President Richard Assimwe said the continental title was only the beginning for the talented archer and expressed confidence that more international success would follow.
The Uganda Women’s 3×3 Basketball Team (Gazelles) also received the ForteBet Real Stars Award following their historic silver-medal finish at the Commonwealth Games.
The quartet of Melissa Akullu, Jane Asinde, Jamila Nansikombi and Perus Nyamwenge impressed throughout the tournament, defeating Kenya, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica in the group stage before overcoming Tonga in the semi-finals. They eventually settled for silver after falling to Australia in the final.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Jane Asinde reflected on the memorable campaign.
“It was a bumpy journey to Scotland. But we gained courage and confidence competing against the world’s top teams. Coming home with a medal, we glorify God,” she said.
National rally driver Hassan Alwi claimed his third ForteBet Real Stars Award of the year following another impressive performance alongside co-driver Musa Nsubuga.
Alwi dedicated the achievement to the entire team.
“It’s a team effort. Thank you to our sponsors,” he said.
Nsubuga added that success in rallying comes through teamwork and sacrifice.
“This shows hard work pays off. We share the wins and the losses. Thank you to our families for supporting us in this risky sport.”
The ceremony also paid tribute to veteran referee Catherine Constance Adipo, who received the Special Recognition Award for her pioneering contribution to football officiating.
Adipo became a FIFA referee in 1995, officiated at the 2000 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) and currently serves as a CAF/FIFA Instructor.
She thanked ForteBet Real Stars for recognising her journey and urged more young women to embrace refereeing.
“Refereeing was male-dominated. I wanted to prove women could do better. I thank ForteBet for this recognition. I hope it inspires young girls. We need fitness, performance and integrity,” Adipo said.
