Shadia Nassanga, Yusuf Baliruno headline Fortebet Real Stars for September
David GOMBE
The organisers of the Fortebet Real Stars Awards have crowned the best performers for the month of September, 2026.
She Cranes and KCCA Netball Club shooter Shadia Nassanga along with veteran journalist Yusuf Baliruno are among those recognised at the awarding ceremony held at Molecule on Tuesday in Kololo.
Nassanga was rewarded for her astonishing performances that saw the She Cranes win the Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi, Kenya last month.
Nassanga
She helped the She Cranes win their fourth Africa Netball Cup title after defeating South Africa 56-53 in an entertaining final. At the tournament, she was named Best Shooter and Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Nassanga beat Margeret Baagala, the tournament’s best midcourt player, and Christine Namulumba to the September award.
Lifetime Achievement for Baliruno
Veteran sports journalist Yusuf Baliruno was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to sports journalism.
Baliruno, formerly known for his Masaza Cup and Bika Football commentary, thanked the organisers for rewarding his sweat.
“I am humbled for being rewarded with this accolade, it means a lot to me. I was heading to Masaka today but I cut the journey to make sure I receive this award. I thank my fellow journalists who have done a tremendous role in my journey but above all, a big thanks to Fortebet Real Stars for this recognition,” said Baliruno who is also a former footballer.
Baliruno
Other Winners:
Golfer Ronald Rugumayo won the golf accolade while Farahat “The Nightmare” Manirola clinched the boxing award. Manirola had a unanimous decision win against Russia’s Georgii Chelokhsaev at the Vologda Sports Palace on September 11, 2026.
Rugumayo won the prestigious Uganda Professional Open, MTN Pro Tee tournament in Entebbe and the Pearl of Africa Sunshine Development Tour event in Entebbe too. He beat fellow pros Willy Deus Kitata and Abraham Ainamani to the accolade.
Meanwhile, Manirola overcame fellow boxers Muzafaru Ssebuliba and Stanley Mugerwa to the award.
Manirola
Winners were rewarded with cash prizes and accolades courtesy of Fortebet and Jude Colour Solutions.
