When he started as a caddie nine years ago 2023 Uganda Golf Open champion Godfrey Nsubuga did not imagine what the future held for him in the sport.

But since he started playing in 2016, things have been getting better for the 23-year-old who last month won the open with a record 13-under-par 275. Now that feat has been recognized with the Fortebet Real Stars Award for October alongside four other athletes from football (Agnes Nabukenya), rugby (Grace Auma), Basketball (Hope Akello), and Handball (Lillian Achola), who also shone in their respective disciplines.

All these now believe the awards will inspire them to do more good performances in their careers in the near future.

Nsubuga beat Uganda Ladies Open Winner Peace Kabasweka and professional golfer Ronald Rugumayo who finished second in the professional’s event to the award.

“I thank God for helping me to get to this level. I want to thank all the golfers who have been there for me and supported me in my career especially in my travels outside the country because I wouldn't be able to afford it if it wasn’t for them.

“I also want to thank the Mehta Golf Club management that gave me the platform, the course, and the clubs to play this game. I would also like to thank the Uganda Golf Union that offered me an opportunity to advance my knowledge of the game in South Africa which was so beneficial, especially in strengthening me mentally,” Nsubuga said.

“I want to thank the organisers of these awards because they are such a big motivation for me because I’m forced to continue performing better so that I can win more. I want in the near future to take this game to another level by playing in another country where the competition is even higher, playing more golf, and getting better in my game,” he stated.

“I feel so excited because I couldn’t believe I could win this and I did know about the awards so I was shocked that I was among the people who were nominated, so it feels great and exciting,” Auma said.

“It is motivating that we are being appreciated for the hard work, so that we keep on fighting for the country,” Auma who came limping with a plastered ankle having got injured against Kenya during the concluded Rugby Afrique Women’s Seven’s in Tunisia, said.

Auma scored three tries for Uganda; two against Tunisia and one against Zimbabwe that ensured Uganda qualified for the semis, consequently finishing third after beating Zambia 29-10 to qualify for the 2024 Olympic repechage and the Challengers Series.

Queen Cranes and Kawempe Muslim midfielder Agnes Nabukenya was awarded for her four goals scored in four games. She scored home (1) and away (2) as the Queen Cranes eliminated Mozambique in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.  She was also on the scoresheet as Kawempe Muslim beat Rhines 3-2 in their opening game of the FUFA Women's Super League.

Ndejje University handball star Lillian Achola also stood out in the month with 29 goals and 53 assists from the four league games played. She has 13 steals, 12 turnovers, and an average of only 9 missed shots, to win his first Real Stars award.

“This offers a lot of motivation, it helps me up the confidence and some hard work towards winning it again,” Achola stated.

Basketballer Hope Akello was selected for her outstanding display that ensured she finished as the Most Valuable Player in the FUBA women’s league final against the UCU Lady Canons.

In the last game, Akello averaged 12 points and 12 rebounds on top of other recognitions as the best rebounder and most defensive player in the final. She was also the best center of the season with 355 rebounds and 75 steals. She beat Perus Nyamwenge and Titus Odeke Lual to the award.

October Awardees

Football: Agnes Nabukenya

Golf: Godfrey Nsubuga

Rugby: Grace Auma

Basketball: Hope Akello

Handball: Lillian Achola