Officials from Real Stars, Fortebet and Jude Colour Solutions handing over accolades to the winners of the October Real Stars Awards at Lazio Restaurant Nov 2. From the left, is Reste Mbatidde of Fortebet, Julius Kikomeko (who represented Jackob Kiplimo,) Jemimah Nakawala, Isaac Mukasa, Farahat Manirola and Judith Nabuula of Jude Color Solutions. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

Marathon ace Jacob Kiplimo has been named among the recipients of the October Real Stars Sports Awards, held on Tuesday in Kampala.

Kiplimo earned the accolade following his sensational victory at the 2025 Chicago Marathon, where he clocked 2:02:23 to cement his status among the world’s elite long-distance runners and bring pride to Uganda.

He was represented at the ceremony by Julius Kikomeko, who received the award on his behalf. According to the Real Stars Technical Committee, Kiplimo was unopposed in the athletics category owing to his record-breaking performance.

In boxing, Farahat Manirola was recognized for his gold-medal triumph at the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships held in Nairobi, Kenya, where Uganda finished second overall with 15 medals.

The light welterweight (63kg) fighter from Lukanga Boxing Club—who also works as a welder in Kanyanya—picked up his second Real Stars award, having first won two years ago.

“I first won two years ago after knocking out a Congolese boxer at Club Obligato. I thank Real Stars and the sponsors, Fortebet and Jude Color Solutions, for this initiative that motivates us to work harder and achieve more,” said Manirola, who dreams of representing Uganda at the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.

His coach, Ramathan Seguya, lauded the sponsors for their continued support, noting that few companies invest in boxing.

In table tennis, Jemimah Nakawala took home the award for her outstanding contribution to Uganda’s women’s team that won bronze at the Africa Senior Championships in Tunisia. The team’s performance also earned them qualification for the London 2026 World Championships.

Isaac Mukasa, CEO of Real Stars, praised sports federations and coaches for nurturing athletes who continue to raise Uganda’s flag high. He also extended gratitude to Fortebet and Jude Color Solutions for their consistent partnership since the awards’ inception in 2018.

The ceremony was attended by Resty Mbatidde, representing Real Stars, and Judith Nabuule from Jude Color Solutions.