Watambala, Kiplimo and Kitata scoop Real Stars January Awards

Vipers SC midfielder Karim Watambala has been named the Fortebet Real Stars Award winner for January after an outstanding run that saw him score five goals and register one assist, helping the Venoms maintain top spot in the Uganda Premier League.

Watambala edged out competition from Frank Sebufu of SC Villa and Ambrose Kigozi of Entebbe UPPC FC, who were also nominated for the accolade.

The former St. Mary’s Kitende student joined Vipers SC directly from the school setup, both institutions owned by former FUFA and CECAFA president Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa.

The awards were officially handed over by Fortebet and Jude Color Solutions officials Reste Mbatidde and Judith Nabule during a ceremony held at Molecule Restaurant in Kololo on Tuesday morning.

Real Stars Awards proprietor Isaac Mukasa (second left) pictured with sponsors of the awards. On the left is Diana Athieno of Molecule, while on the right are Reste Mbatidde of Fortebet and Judith Nabule of Jude Color Solutions. Standing from left are award winners and representatives: Karim Watambala, Bella Oyera, and Innocent Ndasule. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

“I am delighted to win this award. It is joyful and encouraging. I am happy for my teammates because we work as a team, and I give them credit. I have many senior players and coaches guiding me, and I hope the sky will be the limit,” Watambala said after receiving the award.

During January, he scored twice against URA FC and added goals against Police FC, Mbarara City FC, and Buhimba United.

In athletics, national long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo clinched the January award following his gold medal performance in the World Cross Country 10km race held in Florida, USA.

Kiplimo successfully defended his title, emerging top among 26 Ugandan athletes who collectively won 22 medals. His teammates Charity Cherop, who won bronze in the senior women’s race, and Joy Chepkoyek, who claimed silver, were also nominated. The award was received on Kiplimo’s behalf by his social media fan, Bella Oyela.

The third award of the month went to golfer Willy Kitata, currently based in Florida, USA, after strong performances in January. Kitata won the Sunshine Golf Circuit tournament at Thika Green Golf Resort in Kenya and also qualified for the upcoming Magical Kenya Open. A former Uganda Open champion in 2014, Kitata has built an impressive golfing profile with victories in Kenya, Egypt, and Germany. His compatriot Innocent Ndawula received the award on his behalf, noting that Kitata’s consistency and success in major tournaments will inspire him to achieve even more.

Real Stars proprietor Isaac Mukasa hailed the winners across the different disciplines, praising Watambala for stepping up following the departure of Allan Okello to Tanzania. He also commended Kiplimo and Kitata, adding that Real Stars is seeking additional sponsors to expand the awards and recognize excellence across more sporting categories.