Veteran Journalist Baliruno Honoured as Nassanga Leads September Real Stars Awards

Veteran sports journalist Yusuf “Of Uganda” Baliruno was honoured for his contribution to Ugandan sports journalism as the September 2026 Fortebet Real Stars Monthly Awards were held in Kampala on Tuesday.

Baliruno received the Lifetime Achievement Award at a ceremony held at Molecule Restaurant & Lounge in Kololo, recognising a career in sports journalism that has spanned more than three decades.

The former footballer was visibly emotional after receiving the specially designed plaque in recognition of his long service to the industry.

“To be recognized with a life time achievement award is humbling. I am happy for the special recognition,” Baliruno said.

The lifetime achievement accolade was one of the highlights of the September awards, which also recognised outstanding performers in netball, golf and boxing.

Uganda She Cranes goal shooter Shadia Nassanga took the top prize in netball after playing a key role in Uganda’s successful Africa Netball Championship campaign.

Nassanga was named the tournament’s best shooter and overall player as the She Cranes won the continental championship for a record fourth time.

She beat fellow She Cranes players Margaret Bagala and Christine Namulumba to claim the September Netball award.

“I am humbled for this award. This is the third time that I am winning it. Credit goes to all teammates and the coaches,” Nassanga said.

In golf, professional Ronald Rugumayo emerged ahead of fellow professionals Willy Deus Kitata and Abraham Ainamani.

Rugumayo enjoyed a strong September, winning the Uganda Professional Open and the MTN Pro Tee tournament in Entebbe, before also triumphing at the Pearl of Africa Sunshine Development Tour event.

Boxer Farahat “Nightmare” Manirola completed the list of monthly winners after an impressive victory in Russia.

Manirola defeated Georgii Chelokhsaev at the Vologda Sports Palace in Vologda to beat Muzafaru Ssebuliba and Stanley Mugerwa to the September boxing award.

The Fortebet Real Stars Monthly Awards were established in 2018 with support from Jude Colour Solutions and Fortebet, recognising Uganda’s top sporting performers each month.