Jocelyn Uchanda, a prominent figure in Ugandan netball and a candidate for the Uganda Netball Federation presidency, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Real Stars Sports Agency on September 3, 2024. The award ceremony, held at Lazo Restaurant in Kololo, recognized her unwavering dedication to the sport and her significant contributions to the development of netball in Uganda.

As the long-serving manager of NIC Netball Club and the Uganda national netball team (She Cranes), Uchanda has played a pivotal role in elevating the status of netball both nationally and internationally. Upon receiving the award, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “This award is a testament to the years of hard work and passion I’ve dedicated to netball. I am truly honored and humbled by this recognition.”

Uchanda also took a moment to commend fellow athletes from various sports disciplines who were recognized at the event. She emphasized the importance of passion and commitment in achieving success, saying, “In sports, we are all part of one family, whether it’s netball, football, boxing, or basketball. Loving what you do is the key to reaching great heights, and I encourage everyone to keep that fire burning.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award, previously awarded to Mukwenda Godfrey Mbalire for his contributions to the Masaza Cup, now proudly includes Uchanda in its prestigious ranks, celebrating her enduring impact on Ugandan sports.

The ceremony also highlighted top performers from different sports. Julius Ssenyonga, the rising star goalkeeper from Ssaza Ssingo, was named the best footballer of August. Ssenyonga’s impressive record of three clean sheets in the 2024 Masaza Cup earned him this accolade. At just 19 years old, Ssenyonga has already garnered significant attention, having won awards in the Buganda Regional League with Ntugasazi FC and Kiyinda Boys.

In basketball, Lydia Babirye, a scholar-athlete currently studying in the USA, was recognized as the best basketball player of August. Babirye’s outstanding performance in the Basketball 3×3 World Cup qualifier helped Uganda secure a place in the upcoming tournament in Mongolia. She was selected over notable competitors like Joel Lukoji of KIU Rangers and Shakira Navubya of UCU Canons.

In boxing, John Sserunjoji was named the best boxer of August, marking his second ForteBet Real Stars Sports Monthly Award. Sserunjoji’s knockout victory over Egypt’s Ahmed Boloshy in the 8th round underscored his dominance in the middleweight division.

The awards were presented by Buikwe South aspiring Member of Parliament Isaac Mukasa, along with representatives from Jude Colour Solutions and ForteBet, to all the winners who also received cash prizes.

This event not only celebrated the achievements of Uganda’s top athletes but also honored the lasting contributions of leaders like Jocelyn Uchanda, whose commitment to sports continues to inspire and shape the future of athletics in the country.