KAMPALA: Celebrated long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo, Vipers SC midfield maestro Karim Watambala, and professional golfer Willy Deus Kitata were the big winners at the January 2025 Fortebet Real Stars Sports Monthly Awards. The ceremony took place on Tuesday at Molecule Restaurant in Kololo.
Organized by the Real Stars Sports Agency, the event was graced by notable figures, including Resty Mbatidde Namugema of lead sponsor Fortebet, Judith Nabuule from Jude Colour Solutions, and the Agency’s CEO, Isaac Mukasa.
Athletics: Kiplimo’s Dominance Continues
Jacob Kiplimo took home the athletics crown after securing his third consecutive victory at the 2025 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida. Kiplimo clocked an impressive 28:18 to defeat Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi (28:36) and Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo, who took bronze. Kiplimo beat out fellow nominees Joy Cheptoyek and Charity Cherop to claim the January gong.
Football: Watambala Leads Vipers’ Charge
In the football category, Vipers SC midfielder Karim Watambala was rewarded for his clinical form. Watambala netted five goals in four Uganda Premier League matches, inspiring the Venoms to a perfect run of four victories against URA FC, Mbarara City, Police FC, and Buhimba United Saints. He edged out Entebbe UPPC striker Ambrose Kigozi and SC Villa forward Frank Ssebuufu for the award.
Golf: Historic Win for Kitata
Professional golfer Willy Deus Kitata, based in Nairobi and the US, earned his first-ever Real Stars accolade. Kitata clinched the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing title with a clinical 5-under par 208 over three rounds. The former Uganda Amateur Open champion shot rounds of 68, 68, and 72 at Thika to beat Kenyan ace David Wakhu.
