Ssebwalunyo Steals the Spotlight as April’s Finest at Real Stars Awards
By Kayiira Jackson
NEC FC goalkeeper Hannigton Ssebwalunyo took centre stage as the headline winner of the April Fortebet Real Stars Sports Monthly Awards, held on Tuesday, May 5, at Nanjing Restaurant.
The 36-year-old shot-stopper delivered a sensational month, keeping five clean sheets and scoring two goals—an extraordinary contribution for a goalkeeper. His performances earned him his maiden accolade, beating Ivan Mayanja of Maroons FC and Frank Ssebuufu of SC Villa.
In basketball, Edreene Ekau of Rezlife Stars emerged victorious after averaging 20 points per game, seeing off Faheed Baale (City Oilers) and Tracy Namugose (KCCA Leopards).
The rugby gong went to Alex Aturinda of Pirates, who beat Proscovia Mukyala (Thunderbirds) and Daniels Otim (Buffaloes).
Organised by the Real Stars Sports Agency and sponsored by Fortebet alongside Jude Colour Solutions, the awards continue to recognise excellence across Uganda’s sporting disciplines.
Ssebwalunyo received his award from Eron Nandawula, representing Jude Colour Solutions, with agency CEO Isaac Mukasa and sponsor representative Alex Muhangi in attendance.
Speaking after his triumph, Ssebwalunyo credited teamwork and internal competition for his stellar form.
“I am grateful to God for enabling me to win this. This award is a result of unity in my team plus the push from fellow players, especially the goalkeepers who always challenge me,” he said.
The experienced goalkeeper has previously featured for Buleemezi Ssaza, Ndejje University, BUL FC, Maroons FC and URA FC, cementing his place among Uganda’s dependable goalkeepers.
Since their inception in 2018, the Fortebet Real Stars Sports Awards have steadily grown in stature, celebrating top-performing athletes across football, athletics, boxing and motorsport. Recent winners include long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo, boxer David Ssemujju Kavuma and rally driver Hassan Alwi, underlining the diversity and prestige of the monthly accolades.