Joseph Ssebatindira, a 9-year-old Nakasero Primary School pupil , has been named the USPA Sports Personality of the Month for October.
Ssebatindira became the first Ugandan to win a world title in table tennis at the World Table Tennis Youth Contender Championship in Cairo, Egypt.
Ssebatindira entered the competition unranked but went on to dominate, winning all of his matches in straight sets. His victory earned him the number one ranking after the competition.
Ssebatindira received 235 votes in the USPA Sports Personality of the Month Award, edging out the Lady Rugby Cranes 7s, who received 220 votes after winning a bronze medal at the 2023 Olympic Qualifiers.
Ssebatindira was also unanimously chosen as the recipient of the Young Talent Award for September and October due to his unmatched performance in the world championship.
Other winners
In other accolades, the Rugby Cranes 7s were named the Nile Special USPA Sports Personality for September.
Their bronze finish at the 2023 Africa Men’s Cup in Zimbabwe clinched them a place in the Repechage for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The Rugby Cranes team received 185 votes, beating the National Ludo team “The Doves,” who received 165 votes after defending their title at the 2023 Africa Ludo championship in Durban, South Africa, where they triumphed in a nail-biting final against South Africa on penalties.
Husinah Kobugabe and Gladys Mbabazi were the September commendations. These badminton players won gold in women’s doubles at the Benin international and maintained their trajectory towards the 2024 Olympic Games.
Kobugabe also secured a bronze in the women’s singles at the same event.
October’s commendations were Godfrey Nsubuga and Peace Kabasweka for their victories at the 2023 Uganda Amateur Golf Open, respectively.
Bul FC was recognized for their exceptional start in the 2023/24 Uganda Premier League in October, boasting a perfect record with four wins, netting 8 goals and conceding 2.
City Oilers and JKL Dolphins were lauded for winning the 2023 National Basketball League for men and women, respectively.
The Supportive/Assist Award was presented to Uganda Lady Rugby Cranes 7’s physio Nelson Mayeku, who secured 340 votes, surpassing Bulemezi goalkeeping coach, Ali Kigundu with 325 votes.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Rugby Union was acknowledged for its instrumental role in fostering the development of Rugby in Uganda.
Courtesy Photos
