The Rwabutaza Awards is an annual award event for a year-long excellence in health, fitness and sports performance, honoring the top athletes and sports performances of the year. In 2026, the 1st Annual Rwabutaza Awards will be hosted from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm on Sunday, May 24, 2026 as part of The 2026 Rwabutaza Basketball Classic & Reunion. It will subsequently be followed by The Awards & Reunion Ball from 10:00 pm until 2:00 am.
The following are the seven categories of awards and their corresponding nominees for the first edition in 2026:
The Athlete’s Parents of The Year
- Mr. Zitto Babu & Mrs. Helen Ongara
- Mr. Ignas & Mrs. Neema Chilewa
- Ms. Hildegard Kamazima
- Ms. Lisareine Kamazima
- Mr. Angila & Mrs. Vanessa Magori
- Mr. Akili Lusungu & Mrs. Emiliana Msola
- Mr. Kenan & Mrs. Atukuzwe Haonga
- Mr. Mohammed Mshindo & Ms. Antonia Kutali
- Mr. Joas & Mrs. Delphina Mutabirwa
- Pastors Donis & Nnunu Nkone
- Mr. Josephat & Mrs. Mourine Nyang’oro
- Mr. Ntai Simumba
The Best Leader Athlete
- Mr. Peter Bategeki – Manyara Vipers
- Mr. Oscar Kamazima – Ruaha Wild Dogs
- Mr. Murshid Zuberi Mudricat – Tarangire Pythons
- Mr. Jonathan Nyang’oro – Serengeti Hyenas
- Ms. Makayla Salukele – Mikumi Leopards
- Ms. Joyce Temigunga – Zanzibar Sharks
The Best Breakthrough Athlete
- Sosthenes Chilewa – Men’s Basketball
- Makayla Salukele – Women’s Basketball
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The Best Record-Breaking Performance
- Kierstyn Liming – Zanzibar Sharks
- Dobbins Nkone – Serengeti Hyenas
- Makayla Salukele – Mikumi Leopards
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The Best Team
- Serengeti Hyenas – Men’s Basketball
- Zanzibar Sharks – Women’s Basketball
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The Best Female Athlete
- Kierstyn Liming – Zanzibar Sharks
- Makayla Salukele – Mikumi Leopards
- Joyce Temigunga – Zanzibar Sharks
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The Best Male Athlete
- Christopher Chilewa – Ruaha Wild Dogs
- Jerryson Mutabirwa – Ruaha Wild Dogs
- Dobbins Nkone – Serengeti Hyenas
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