Aisha Nalule honoured with Lifetime Award at Fortebet Real Stars

The organisers of the monthly Fortebet Real Stars Awards have acknowledged the significant contributions of Aisha Nalule, the FUFA competitions director, to the development of football in Uganda by presenting her with a lifetime achievement award.

This recognition took place during the May awards ceremony in Kololo, where standout performances were also celebrated for volleyball player Jonathan Tumukunde, KCCA FC striker Emmanuel Anyama, and professional boxer Willy Kyakonye.

Nalule, who is also the chairperson of the FUFA appeals committee, a CAF commissioner, and a FIFA match commissioner, has served the game in different capacities for over two decades, alternating between the competition and finance doctorates at FUFA.

“I’m truly honoured and humbled to receive this recognition. It is satisfying to be recognised in your lifetime. Football has taken a central part of my life, and I’m privileged to have contributed to its growth and development in every way I could,” Nalule said.

Aisha Nalule (seated centre) poses alongside other May awardees volleyball player Jonathan Tumukunde (2nd-left-back), KCCA FC striker Emmanuel Anyama (2nd right), and professional boxer Willy Kyakonye's representative Nelson Serwambala (left-back) alongside Fortebet ambassador Alex Muhangi and Real Stars Awards CEO Isac Mukasa. Photo by Michael Nsubuga.

“I thank all the people I have worked with because football is a team sport, and I thank the press for highlighting what we do, and I thank the sponsors of these awards because these accolades inspire and energize the recipients,” Nalule stated.

She attributed her diligent service over the years to discipline, commitment, and patience as some of the virtues that have helped her.

“I’m very grateful to everyone who has contributed to my journey directly and indirectly. I look forward to serving the sport and the community. I’m very grateful for what football has done for me because I’m one of the lucky ones who has officiated at the FIFA level, having joined the organization as an intern from university,” Nalule stated.

Anyama dedicated his award to KCCA FC Coach Jackson Magera, who he says gave him playing time during the month in which he scored seven goals.

“We worked hard in that month, and with the help of my teammates, coaches, and fans, that’s how I have come to get this, and I’m very grateful. This award shows that people have recognized and appreciated it, which calls for even harder work. I’m motivated by the award, and I would like to thank the sponsors for this. I’m going to work even harder because it shows there is more to come,” Anyama stated.

Sports volleyballer (attacker) Tumukunde was recognized for his contribution as his side won this year’s national league title. He notched 17 points in the final against the Nemo Stars.

“I didn’t expect this, so it is exciting to win it, and I thank Fortebet and Jude Colour Solutions for the sponsorship. Such awards mean a lot to us as sportspersons; these keep us pushing, and they inspire the youngsters to also aim for the same,” Tumukunde stated.

Professional boxer Kyakonye, who is based in the Netherlands, was recognized for having clinched the WBF World Heavyweight Crown when he knocked out Venezuelan Wilmer Vasquez for the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) world heavyweight title under two minutes in Leeuwarden, Netherlands. The win marked Kyakonye’s tenth knockout in his career. He beat Joshua Mwenda, who in the same month became the first Ugandan boxer to win a continental gold at the Africa Youth Boxing Championship in Guinea, and Herbert Matovu to the award. Kyakonye’s award was picked by Nelson Serwambala.“I would like to thank the sponsors and the organisers for the award. May the Lord reward you abundantly,” Kyakonye said via a voice note.