Lydia Babirye has been named the Best Basketball Player for August at the Fortebet Real Stars Awards held on earlier today at Lazo Restaurant in Lugogo.
The 19-year-old guard for the Gazelles was recognized for her pivotal role in leading the team to victory at the FIBA 3X3 Youth Nations League, where they clinched the women’s overall title.
Babirye outshone competition from Joel Lukoji of KIU Titans and Shakirah Nanvubya of UCU Lady Canons to secure the prestigious award.
Her stellar performance not only earned her the MVP title during the tournament but also propelled Uganda to qualify for the upcoming FIBA 3X3 U23 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from September 11-15, 2024.
In her acceptance speech, an emotional Babirye expressed her gratitude, stating, “I thank, first of all, FUBA, my teammates, and coaches. This would not have been possible without their input.”
She also thanked the fans, media, and ForteBet Real Stars Awards for the honour.
Raised by Watoto Church, Babirye is currently pursuing her studies at Evangel University in the United States, having previously graduated from Victory Christian Centre in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The awards ceremony also celebrated other outstanding athletes across different sports.
Julius Ssenyonga of Ssingo was honoured as the Best Football Player for August, thanks to his impressive record of three clean sheets in as many games. He triumphed over competitors Manuel Irivai and Robert Ssewanyana.
In boxing, John Sserunjogi received accolades for his victory in securing the African Boxing Union (ABU) Super Middleweight title after defeating Egypt’s Ahmed Boloshy.
Sserunjogi stood out among other nominees, including Conrad Sseruyange and David Ssemujju.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Jocelyn Uchanda, the manager of Uganda’s most successful netball club National Insurance Corporation (NIC, in recognition of her significant contributions to the development of netball in Uganda.
