Veteran tennis coach and former player John Oduke was the standout figure at the Fortebet Real Stars Awards ceremony held on Thursday at Molecule Restaurant in Kololo, where he was presented with the Life Achievers Award in recognition of his immense contribution to Ugandan tennis.
Oduke’s honour celebrates decades of service to the sport, both as a decorated player and as a coach who nurtured generations of athletes. Through his work, Uganda has earned numerous regional and international accolades, with many of his protégés going on to represent the country with distinction. The award recognises not just results, but a lifetime dedicated to growing tennis in Uganda.
Speaking at the ceremony, organisers praised Oduke for his consistency, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to developing the game at both grassroots and elite levels, describing him as a pillar of Ugandan tennis whose impact will be felt for years to come.
While Oduke’s recognition carried special weight, the ceremony also celebrated excellence across other sports.
In netball, Shadia Nassanga of KCCA Netball Club and the She Cranes was named the Fortebet Real Stars Netball Player of the Month for December after a remarkable run that included helping Uganda win the Celtic Cup in Scotland, finishing as MVP, and guiding KCCA to their maiden National Netball Super League title.
In chess, Sana Omprakash claimed the monthly award, edging out Juliet Asaba and Apollo Muhumuza following strong competitive performances.
The Thursday awards session was graced by Real Stars Sports Agency CEO, Isaac Mukasa, ForteBet assistant media manager Resty Mbatidde, among other partners.
