From Chessboard To Track: ForteBet Honours Excellence Across Four Sports

Chemutai, Okello, Muhirwa, Namulumba Honoured At ForteBet Real Stars Awards. 📸 Jackson Kayiira.

Excellence across the board took center stage today as ForteBet, through its Real Stars Monthly Awards, recognized four athletes for their outstanding performances in May. Held at the Nanjing Hotel, the ceremony celebrated achievements in chess, athletics, football, and netball, underlining the power of monthly recognition in driving athletes to new heights.

Chess: Alvin Muhirwa crowned after historic run
In chess, Alvin Muhirwa emerged as the top performer ahead of Jacinta Mbabazi and Ronald. Muhirwa’s stellar month included winning gold at the U16 Open Africa Youth Chess Championship, earning the Candidate Master (CM) title, and securing qualification for the 2027 FIDE World Youth Championship.

Muhirwa Alvin receiving his Award .

Speaking to the media, the Uganda Chess Federation president praised the recently concluded intercontinental tournament hosted in Uganda, which drew over 1,500 foreign participants for a 10-day showpiece. “It shows how much people love chess,” he said. “Chess exercises the brain and builds strategic thinking. I encourage everyone to come and play. We’re now targeting the grassroots to take chess to every child and every school.”

Athletics: Peruth Chemutai broke record in Xiamen.

Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai took the athletics award after a commanding performance in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase at the Xiamen Diamond League. Chemutai stormed to victory in a new meet record of 8:51.06, reaffirming her status as one of the world’s premier barrier racers.

Football: Allan Okello edges competition for top honours .

Sultan Atubo received the Award on behalf of Allan Okello.

In football, Young Africans SC attacking midfielder Allan Okello claimed the award after netting seven goals last month. Okello beat off strong competition from SC Villa’s Charles Lwanga and Owen Mukisa, who helped Uganda qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup.

Okello was represented by his agent, Sultan Atubo, who received the award on his behalf. “I spoke to him last night and he was very happy and grateful to the organizers and sponsors,” Atubo said. “He’s currently with the national team. The month of May was not just good for his goals and assists, but also for Young Africans they’re top of the table, two points ahead of Simba SC, pushing for the league championship and CAF competition. He’s grateful to his teammates, technical team, the club, the fans, and the journalists who are part of his journey.”

Netball: Christine Namulumba leads Prisons to recognition

On Your Left Namulumba receiving her Award.

In netball, Christine Namulumba of Prisons emerged top ahead of Police’s Joan Nantumbwe and KCCA’s Margaret Bagala. Namulumba thanked ForteBet for motivating athletes and acknowledged the commissioner, her manager, and teammates for their support.

By spotlighting athletes who excel in a single month, the ForteBet Real Stars Awards do more than hand out trophies they validate hard work, inspire peers, and remind young talent that consistency gets noticed. In a sporting landscape where motivation can be fleeting, this monthly ritual ensures that standout performances don’t go unseen, fueling the next wave of Ugandan success on local and global stages.