Fortebet Real Stars Awards: Shadia Nassanga, two other crowned crowned as December’s best

The cream of Ugandan sports rose to the occasion on Thursday, 8th January 2026, as the Fortbet Real Stars monthly awards for December 2025 were held at Molecule Restaurant in Kololo, Kampala.

Netball sensation Shadia Nassanga, chess prodigy Sana Omprakash, and legendary tennis coach John Oduke were feted for their outstanding performances.

Nassanga, the Uganda Netball She Cranes and KCCA Netball Club star, was named Netball Player of the Month, scooping the award ahead of her teammates Shaffie Nalwanja and Racheal Nanyonga.

Her impressive form had helped the She Cranes win the Celtic Cup in Scotland and secure a silver medal at the 2025 Africa Netball Championship in Malawi.

Nassanga’s club, KCCA Netball Club, also benefited from her prowess, winning their maiden National Netball Super League title.

“It wasn’t in my mind that I was voted the best player for December,” Nassanga humbly said upon receiving the award.

“I glorify Allah for this achievement. This is not an individual effort — it has been a collective contribution from my teammates and the coaches who guided us to reach this level.”

In other categories, Sana Omprakash was recognized as the top chess player, beating Juliet Asaba and Apollo Muhumuza, while John Oduke received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to Ugandan tennis as a coach and former player.

The Fortbet Real Stars awards, now in their eighth year, are sponsored by Fortebet, with Jude Colour Solutions as partners.

The event recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of Ugandan sports personalities.