Lady Rugby Cranes Sevens star Lydia Namabiro was named the best of March in the rugby category during the Fortebet Real Stars Awards session held today morning Lazio Bar and Restaurant in Kololo, Kampala.
To secure the award, Namabiro competed against teammate Peace Lekuru and Uganda Sevens star Norbert Okeny.
Namabiro delivered an outstanding performance in March, contributing significantly to the Lady Rugby Cranes Sevens’ fourth-place finish in the HSBC Challenger Series in Montevideo with a total of four tries. Making her debut at the African Games in Accra, Ghana, Namabiro played a pivotal role in Uganda’s gold medal triumph, scoring an impressive six tries for the team.
Namabiro expressed her gratitude upon winning the monthly sports award, attributing her success to divine providence by thanking God. Additionally, she extended her appreciation to her teammates for their support and teamwork. She also extended thanks to her coach.
“I’m really happy for winning this award, and I am thankful to God for His guidance and support. I also want to express my gratitude to my teammates and the coach for their dedication and teamwork, which played a significant role in our success at the African Games,” Namabiro said adding that she also appreciated her parents and siblings for the support.
The team is currently preparing for the next leg of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger series scheduled to return this month in Hong Kong.
“As a team, we’re gearing up for the next leg of the Challenger Series in Hong Kong this month. Our focus is sharp, and we’re ready to compete at our best. Our main aim is to finish among the top three teams.”
Meanwhile, Davis Niyoyita, a student at Kakungulu Memorial School Kibuli, clinched the title in the weightlifting category, outperforming competitors Lydia Nakide and Steven Ojede. Niyoyita’s remarkable feat included securing three medals for Uganda at the African Games: two silvers and a bronze. His silver medals were earned in the Clean and Jerk event, lifting an impressive 120 kg in the 55kg category, and in the Snatch event, managing a weight of 90kg. Additionally, Niyoyita claimed a second silver overall, trailing behind Madagascar’s Eric Adrian.
Hajji Jamiru Buwembo, the headmaster of Kakungulu Memorial School Kibuli, proudly accepted Niyoyita’s award on his behalf and served as the Chief Guest at the event. Buwembo expressed his belief that Niyoyita’s victory would serve as inspiration for other athletes at the school.
Husina Kobuga emerged victorious in the badminton category, surpassing competitors Gladys Mbabazi and Fadilah Shamika. Kobugabe and Mbabazi’s partnership proved formidable as they clinched Uganda’s only gold in the Women’s Doubles event at the Africa Games, defeating Algeria’s duo 2-0. Despite falling short in the Singles final against South Africa’s Johanita Scholtz, Kobugabe’s performance was commendable.
In football, Hakim Mutebi claimed the top spot, surpassing Catherine Nagadya and Usama Arafat. Mutebi’s pivotal goal in Uganda’s historic comeback against Congo showcased his leadership and skill on the field. Although Uganda ultimately settled for silver in the games, losing to Ghana in the final, Mutebi’s contributions did not go unnoticed.
The Tuesday awards ceremony welcomed esteemed guests including Real Stars Sports Agency CEO, Isaac Mukasa, ForteBet’s assistant media manager, Resty Mbatidde, and Henry Zzimbe from Jude Color Solutions, all valued partners of the event.
