Golf legend Deo Akope honored at Real Stars Awards
From swinging cassava sticks as makeshift clubs to captaining and coaching Uganda’s national golf team, Deo Akope’s journey in the sport has been nothing short of remarkable.
The soft-spoken legend, now a professional player, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the June 2025 Fortebet Real Stars Monthly Awards for his immense contributions to golf.
Currently serving as chairman of the Uganda Professional Golfers Association (UPGA) and a respected teaching professional, Akope boasts an illustrious career.
He has won three Uganda Amateur Open titles (2000–2002), two Uganda Open Professional championships, and numerous trophies across domestic, regional, and continental tournaments.
“I am humbled and honored by this recognition,” Akope said, smiling after receiving the plaque from Nakawa East MP Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo. “This award motivates me to keep pushing forward.”
Fresh off winning the Captain’s Bell overall trophy among professionals, Akope now sets his sights on the final leg of the Pearl of Africa Championship at Lugazi Hills and Country Club, scheduled for July 16–19, 2025.
His legacy is further cemented not only by his accolades but also by a fairway named in his honor, the famous Deo Akope Challenge 4-par Hole 17 at Entebbe Club and the Deo Akope Foundation Tournament.
Other June 2025 Awardees
Netball
Linda Muzigo (Uganda Christian University) was named June’s standout netball player after leading her team to victories over UPDF (48–37) and Busia (60–42), despite a narrow 33–37 loss to NIC. She edged out teammate Alice Isoto and KCCA’s Shafie Nalwanja for the award.
Basketball
Frank Nyembo Fataki (Sommet Basketball Club) claimed the award after a dominant month, averaging 21 points per game. His performances included wins over the KIU Titans (92–73), Kampala Rockets (85–81), City Oilers (90–87), and JKL Dolphins (68–64), despite a 55–52 loss to the KCCA Panthers.
Athletics
Peruth Chemutai won silver in the 3000m steeplechase at the Paris Diamond League with a season-best time of 8:54.41, finishing just behind Kenya’s Faith Cherotich (8:53.37).
Event Highlights
Nakawa East MP Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo, the chief guest at the ceremony held at Lazio Restaurant in Kololo, emphasized the need to protect sports venues and open spaces. Also in attendance were Real Stars Executive Director Isaac Mukasa, Jude Colour Solutions’ Henry Zzimbe, and Fortebet’s Resty Mbatidde Namugema.
Running since 2018, the Real Stars Awards continue to celebrate Uganda’s sporting excellence.
