Magumba grabs Real Stars Awards Lifetime Achievement Award

Ugandan swimmer Gloria Muzito’s three-medal haul at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia has won her the Fortebet Real Stars award for November.

Muzito won two gold medals in the 50m and 100m freestyle races before taking silver in the 200m freestyle at the games, in which Uganda collected a total of 13 medals.

She beat Rebecca Chelangat and Samuel Simba, who also excelled in the 10000 m and 5000m races at the games in Riyadh.

James Bogere’s star performance in the Qatar U-17 World Cup was also recognised ahead of the team captain, Hamza Ssengooba, and Kawempe Muslim women's football club player, Saidat Namwanja.

Fortebet Real Stars November Awardees Hakim Magumba (left), swimming coach Tonnie Kasujja who represented Gloria Muzito, Bogere's representative Elvis Okakwot and Joseph Cwinyaai pose with their awards at Lazio Restaurant, December 9, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

In golf, Joseph Cwinyaai’s outstanding performance that saw him win back-to-back events (Kinyara and Kakira Opens) as well as a second-place finish in the Equity-NARO Open was a perfect reward for hard work, beating on-form pro golfer David Kamulindwa and lady Meron Kyomugisha to the award. But the most significant award of the day went to Uganda Cranes and legend Hakim Magumba, who was recognised with the Fortebet Real Stars Lifetime Achievers Award during the monthly awards press conference held at the Lazio Restaurant in Kololo.

Popularly known as ‘boda boda’ because of his agility and speed while playing, Magumba enjoyed a fruitful career spanning twenty years, right from his school days in Iganga, a stint with Sc Villa and the Cranes, before he voluntarily left the stage for the young generation.

“I thank the organisers of these awards for having picked me for this award amidst all the other living and deceased legends. It is exceptional, and I really appreciate it,” Magumba said.

“Let me thank all the people who guided me during my career, starting from my parents, who allowed me to play the game, to the coaches, administrators, and all the former presidents of FUFA. Started playing during the reign of former presidents Twaha Kakaire, Dennis Obua, Lawrence Mulindwa, and the current president, Moses Magogo,” Magumba said.

“I thank the current president for turning around Ugandan football, especially for introducing the underage competitions and women's football.

Magumba also had a message for current and upcoming players, urging them always to be organised, avoid drugs and alcohol, relate well to people, remain disciplined, and take stock of their decisions by choosing the right time to engage in certain activities.

He also advised the Cranes players headed for the AFCON to believe in their abilities and give it their all because, unlike during his time, the current crop of players have some privileges and opportunities.

“They should remain focused and play to the best of their abilities, without thinking of their opponents. Two good matches can change a player's life after he is scouted, so they should take advantage of the current goodwill and opportunities that some of us lacked to shine,” Magumba stated.

He also thanked FUFA, the government, through President Museveni, and the Speaker of Parliament, who have invested heavily in football, urging the players to take advantage of this.