Real Awardees fired up after picking September accolades

The Senior Commissioner of Police, Deputy Director of Research, and Chairman of Police FC, Timothy Halango, has encouraged the armed forces to invest in youth through sports due to the socio-economic transformation that sports can bring.

Halango presided over the Fortebet Real Stars awards ceremony, where three players—Isaac Ariho (woodball), Herbert Matovu (boxing), and Herbert Asiimwe (football)—received awards for their excellence in September.

He highlighted that despite financial challenges, the Uganda Police is committed to identifying and nurturing talent.

L-R: Footballer Herbert Asiimwe, Patience Muhangi Mbabazi, boxer Herbert Matovu and woodballer Isaac Ariho pose with their awards. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“I encourage institutions like mine to support sports development for youth, as it benefits us to involve as many young people in sports,” Halango said.

He emphasized the numerous benefits sports can bring to the country and thanked the award sponsors.

“Recognition of excellence encourages hard work and resilience. We hope these awards continue to grow,” Halango added.

The awardees were enthusiastic after receiving their accolades from Fortebet’s assistant media relations officer Resty Mbatidde Mugema, Jude Colour Solutions’ Henry Zzimbe, and Real Stars Awards’ Isac Mukasa.

African Boxing Union regional champion Matovu expressed his determination after receiving his award from Mbatidde.

The Senior Commissioner of Police and Deputy Director of Research and the Chairman Police FC Timothy Halango (left) hands over an award to boxer Herbert Matovu at Lazio Restaurant. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“I’ve won all my last five fights by knockout and I’m ready to continue this momentum. I’m a new breed in the heavyweight division, here to bridge the gap between fans and the division,” Matovu vowed.

“I’m young, talented, and ready for the big stages. At 24, I have time to reach the top, unlike my older opponents. I thank my promoters, coaches, and fans for their support. I aim to become a heavyweight world champion,” Matovu stated.

Herbert Asiimwe, the Wakiso Giants and Buwekula sub-county (Masaza) striker, attributed his success to teamwork and the coaches’ tactics.

“I won’t rest; I’ll return stronger. I believe my team will finish in a good position. I pray to God to come back as a winner. My goal is to be the top scorer this season, and with God’s help, I can achieve it,” Asiimwe said.

Prisons Woodball Club’s Ariho was thrilled to win the award for the first time, seeing it as a starting point for greater achievements.

“I decide to win when I want. Last month, with only two outings left and our rivals closing in, I stepped up as captain and coach,” Ariho stated.

“I aim to win again because it comes with financial incentives. I thank the sponsors for supporting this event,” Ariho added.

The Real Star Sports Agency also posthumously awarded a lifetime achievement award to Charles Muhangi, the first Ugandan to win the Africa Rally Championship. His wife, Patience Muhangi, accepted the award and encouraged current drivers to aim for similar achievements.

“He toiled for the sport. Rallying was in his DNA, and he was determined to go the extra mile. He left a lasting legacy,” she said.

September winners

Boxing: Herbert Matovu

Football: Herbert Asiimwe

Woodball: Isaac Ariho

Lifetime Award: Charles Muhangi (RIP)