Fortebet Real Stars Monthly Awards:
January 2026 winners:
- Football: Abdul-Karim Watambala (Vipers Sports Club)
- Golf: Willy Deus Kitata (Professional Golfer)
- Athletics: Jacob Kiplimo
The Fortebet Real Stars monthly awards for the year 2026 commenced off with the crowning ceremony of the outstanding sports personalities in January.
Long distance athlete Jacob Kiplimo, professional golfer Willy Deus Kitata and Vipers’ midfielder Abdul-Karim Watambala received their plaques for the exceptional performance in the year’s opening month.
Kiplimo was recognized for his third straight victory at the world cross country championship held in Tallahassee, Florida (USA).
In the men senior’s race, Kiplimo crossed the finish line in a time of 28:18 to once again beat Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi, who settled for silver in a time of 28:36, while Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo completed the podium with a time of 28:45.
Kiplimo beat other athletes; Joy Cheptoyek and Charity Cherop.
In football, Vipers’ midfielder Abdul Karim Watambala won the gong after scoring five times as Venoms consolidated their grip on the summit of the Uganda Premier League table standings.
Watambala scored twice against Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and once apiece during their duels against Mbarara City, Police and Buhimba United Saints.
In all these games, Vipers recorded victories as they remain top of the log.
“I am glad for this win” Watambala who beat Entebbe UPPC’s Ambrose Kigozi and teammate Arafat Usama revealed.
“This award is motivational and will push me to work hard as I eye consistency” he added.
Watambala was flanked by his personal manager and agent Sultan.
US based professional golfer Willy Deus Kitata won the golf accolade after his victory in Kenya.
Kitata clinched his first ever Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing championship with a clinical 5-under par 208 in three rounds.
The former Uganda amateur open champion, playing the tournament for the second time returned 68, 68 and 72 to edge the hard fighting Kenyan ace David Wakhu at Thika.
Kitata was represented by seasoned sports journalist Innocent Muganda Ndawula who received the pro golfer’s accolade.
Kitata beat fellow golfer Ronald Rugumayo and amateur Susan Knight.
Rugumayo has made great strides at the Betway Easy Tour meets in South Africa. Knight won the MTN monthly tee tourney in Entebbe.
The Real Stars Sports Agency Executive Director Isaac Mukasa lauded the collective effort of partners; Fortebet Uganda and Jude Colour Solutions as well as the media fraternity that has promoted these awards since inception in 2018.