Hassan Alwi, Kiplimo, Kiiza, Ssemuju shine in Fortebet March Sports Awards
Ntambi had earlier claimed his maiden ARC2 title at the WRC Safari Rally in Kenya but failed to secure a podium finish in Mbale.
Hassan Alwi (second right) poses with his navigator, Musa Nsubuga, after winning the Fortebet Real Stars Awards. On the left is Yusuf Nampala, who represented women's footballer Doreen Kiiza; Julius Kafuluma, who represented Jacob Kiplimo; and Fred Kisekka, who represented boxer David Ssemuju. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka
Rally driver Hassan Alwi and his navigator, Musa Nsubuga, have been named among Uganda's top sports personalities for March, earning the monthly Fortebet Real Stars Award. Driving a Ford Proto, Alwi won the 2026 KCB NRC national rally opener in Mbale, defeating close rival Oscar Ntambi.
Ntambi had earlier claimed his maiden ARC2 title at the WRC Safari Rally in Kenya but failed to secure a podium finish in Mbale.
The event also marked a remarkable return for veteran driver Moses Lumala, who finished second after a 23-year absence from the sport.
“Alwi and his navigator Musa were better candidates. We considered the event where the two drivers competed, and Alwi emerged the best,” said Fortebet Real Stars CEO Isaac Mukasa.
Fortebet winners and their representatives line up with sponsors of the Fortebet Real Stars Awards at the March ceremony held at Nanjing Restaurant in Kololo on April 7, 2026. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka
Alwi thanked the organisers for recognizing and motivating athletes through such awards.
“I am back in rallying, especially with the introduction of new scoring technology that eliminates chances of cheating. Rally cars are more advanced these days, which improves competition, especially for those who dedicate time to training,” he noted.
He also appreciated his sponsors and fans, including the International University of East Africa (IUEA), Nile Resort, DFCU Bank, Fortebet, and Jude Color Solutions. The Alwi crew were the only winners present at the awarding ceremony held at Hotel Nanjing in Kololo.
In athletics, long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo won the March award after setting a world half marathon record of 57:20 at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon on March 8, 2026. The 25-year-old shaved 10 seconds off the previous record set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in 2024, reclaiming a title he last held in 2021.
Kiplimo beat stiff competition from Abel Chelangat, who won the Barcelona Marathon in 2:04:59, and Sarah Chelangat, who finished second at the Paris Half Marathon in 1:06:31.
In football, Uganda Martyrs FC striker Doreen Kiiza was recognized after scoring four goals and providing two assists in four matches in the national women’s league. She edged Jovia Nakagolo and Marion Serenge of Kawempe Muslim and St. Noah FC, respectively.
In boxing, former national team boxer David Ssemuju, now competing professionally in Japan, also scooped the March award for defending both his WBO Asia Pacific and Japanese national welterweight titles.
He beat fellow Ugandan Farahat Manirola, the first Ugandan professional boxer to win a bout on Russian soil, and rising prospect Saiya Nsubuga, who was named MVP at the recent National Intermediate Boxing Championships.
Mukasa hailed the winners and called for more sponsors to support the initiative.
“There are many outstanding performers in Ugandan sports, but we lack sufficient funds to recognise them all. We call upon more sponsors to join Fortebet and Jude Color Solutions to expand the scope of these awards,” he said.
Reste Mbatudde and Aeron Nandawula represented Fortebet and Jude Color Solutions, respectively, in handing over the accolades to the winners and their representatives.