After more than two decades of service to Ugandan football, veteran sports journalist Yusuf Baliruno has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the sport.
Baliruno, a familiar and trusted voice of local football commentary on radio for more than 20 years, received the prestigious honour at the Fortebet Real Stars Monthly Awards for September, held at Molecule Restaurant and Lounge in Kololo.
The veteran commentator, known for his coverage of Masaza Cup, Bika football and Uganda Cranes matches, thanked the organisers for recognising his contribution to Ugandan sport.
The award recognised Baliruno’s dedication to football journalism and his enduring role in bringing the local game closer to fans through his distinctive commentary and coverage of Uganda Cranes matches, Masaza Cup games and Ebika by’Abaganda football.
Baliruno described the recognition as a major milestone in his career and dedicated the award to his family and fellow journalists.
“Today is a great day in my life. I dedicate this to my family. They endure waking up every day, travelling long journeys and opening the door for you every day. It is not easy,” Baliruno said.
He also reflected on the role football and sports journalism have played in shaping his career.
“The football fraternity made me a man of all people. This award has motivated me. It’s like starting a new journey. I thank my fellow journalists for the work done,” he added.
On another category She Cranes and KCCA Netball Club shooter Shadia Nassanga was voted the Fortebet Real Star for September following her outstanding performance at the Africa Netball Championship in Nairobi, Kenya.
Nassanga played a pivotal role as Uganda won the continental crown, securing a record fourth Africa Netball Championship title after defeating South Africa 56–53 in an entertaining final.
The prolific shooter was one of Uganda’s standout performers throughout the tournament, where she was named both Best Shooter and Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Her contribution was particularly significant in the final as Uganda held off a strong South African side to reclaim the continental title.
Speaking after receiving the award on Tuesday at Molecule Restaurant and Lounge in Kololo, Nassanga credited the entire team for Uganda’s success.
“I’m happy to be back here again. This victory is not for me alone. We worked as a team and we won. So I thank my fellow players and the technical team for the job well done,” Nassanga said.
Nassanga beat fellow players Margaret Baagala, who was named the tournament’s best midcourt player, and Christine Namulumba to claim the September award.
Other Winners
Golfer Ronald Rugumayo won the golf accolade, while Farahat “The Nightmare” Manirola clinched the boxing award.
Manirola secured a unanimous-decision victory over Russia’s Georgii Chelokhsaev at Vologda Sports Palace on September 11, 2026.
The winners received cash prizes and accolades courtesy of Fortebet and Jude Colour Solutions.
