Nagawa, Kato, and Sebatindira crowned October Fortebet Real Stars

Africa boxing champion Vanessa Nagawa was among the highlights of the October Fortebet Real Stars Awards after being recognized for her outstanding performance at the continental championship.

The awards ceremony was held at Molecule Restaurant in Kololo on Tuesday, with Nagawa sharing the monthly honors with Kyaggwe Masaza Cup-winning goal scorer George Kato and ITTF World Hopes Challenge gold medalist Joseph Sebatindira.

Nagawa, a featherweight (57 kg) boxer and Senior Three student at Entebbe Parents School, was recognized for winning gold at the Africa Boxing Championships, where she registered two knockout victories on the route to the title.

The Katabi Boxing Club boxer was part of the national Bombers team that represented Uganda at the championship held at Kasarani in Nairobi, Kenya, last month. She was among the five Ugandan boxers who won gold medals at the event.

She beat Germany-based IBO European Super Welterweight title holder Muzamir Kakande to the accolade.

"We awarded her for becoming the first Ugandan woman to win gold at such a big stage, but particularly for registering two knockouts en route to winning the gold medal," said Real Stars Awards CEO Isaac Mukasa.

Nagawa is optimistic about taking her boxing career to another level as she targets qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

"I am looking to beat my Ugandan opponents in the forthcoming Champions League to establish my ability locally. I thank the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) for organizing the Champions League, which has kept us in shape and active, enabling us to win on such a big platform. I also thank my fans who always buy tickets to support me," said Nagawa.

Kyaggwe's goal scorer Kato also thanked the sponsors for the recognition and pledged to achieve more in the future.

"I thank my coaches, especially Ronald Ssali, who shaped us well," he said.

Mukasa said Kato deserved special recognition for his spectacular goal in the Masaza Cup final, which helped Kyaggwe edge Gomba 1-0. He added that the strike had attracted the attention of football scouts from across the globe.

"The player marketed himself through the classical goal he scored. This award is intended to motivate him," said Mukasa.

Junior table tennis player Joseph Sebatindira was also recognized after winning gold at the ITTF World Hopes Challenge in Sheffield, England. He beat a field of 18 seeded players from different countries in the Under-12 category.

Sebatindira, who is currently representing Uganda at the Africa Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, was represented at the awards ceremony by Diana Nalugga, who received the accolade on his behalf.

The organizers also presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to long-serving football coach Richard Ssali, who guided Kyaggwe to the Masaza Cup title, and the county chief, Vincent Matovu Ssekiboobo.

"While Ssekiboobo was recognized for his relentless efforts in guiding Kyaggwe to its first Masaza Cup title, coach Ronald Ssali was also honored for finally lifting the trophy after a long struggle," Mukasa said.

Ssekiboobo thanked the supporters, players, and everyone who contributed to Kyaggwe's success.

"We want to make history by becoming the first county to defend the accolade. We had a big rivalry with Gomba, but I am happy we beat them in the final," said Ssekiboobo.

"I am happy to win my first Masaza Cup. I thank my employer, Bukedea Woman MP and proprietor of Bukedea Comprehensive School, Annet Among. He also urged football club owners to avoid the habit of sacking coaches who extend their careers by coaching teams in the Masaza Cup tournament.

Resty Mbatidde represented Fortebet, Laura Kahunda represented Jude Color Solutions, and Maya Hassan represented Molecule Restaurant. The three sponsors presented the awards to the winners.

According to Mukasa, hundreds of sportsmen and women have been recognized through the monthly Fortebet Real Stars Awards since their inception in 2018.