Hoima District, October 22, 2023 – Sports enthusiasts in Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom were treated to an exciting day of action as both bicycle races and football matches took center stage in the MTN-sponsored Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Masaza Tournament. The event, held in Kigorobya town council, showcased the region's rich sporting talent and fostered unity among the clans.
Bamooli Clan Shines in Football
In the highly anticipated football matches, Bamooli Clan emerged victorious, securing their place in the next stage of the 2023 Bunyoro Kingdom Interclan Cup Tournament. Bamooli triumphed over Abahango Clan with a final score of 2-1. Joseph Baguma and Israel Byaruhanga were the heroes of the day, netting two crucial goals during the second round of the game played on Saturday.
Baguma attributed their success to teamwork and the unwavering support from clanmates, the general public, and religious and cultural leaders. Bunyoro Kingdom's Prime Minister, Andrew Byakutaga, commended the tournament as peaceful and entertaining. He noted the overwhelming support from the public, who thronged various playgrounds to cheer for their teams.
Byakutaga also highlighted the tournament's role in identifying talented youth, with plans to connect them to professional football clubs already in motion. The four teams that participated in Kigorobya included Bamooli, Abahango, Abasita, and Abakwonga.
Enganda Bicycle Tournament Concludes in Style The Enganda Bicycle Tournament added an extra layer of excitement to the festivities in Hoima District, marking the last leg of district-level races. Over 40 participants, including women, competed for the coveted prizes.
This event, organized by the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom in collaboration with MTN Uganda, serves a dual purpose: discovering talents and uniting the clans throughout Bunyoro. Men raced for a grueling 30 kilometers, while women tackled a challenging 20 kilometers. The winners walked away with 500,000/= for men and 400,000/= for women.
The BKK Prime Minister, Mr. Andrew Kirungi Byakutaga, expressed his appreciation to all the participants for their unwavering support and love for their kingdom. Byakutaga emphasized that such competitions are essential for organizing the clans within the kingdom and mobilizing subjects to enhance various kingdom programs.
Additionally, Byakutaga underscored the significance of sports activities in providing employment opportunities, improving physical health, and combating diseases. He extended his gratitude to MTN Uganda for their consistent support of the kingdom through sports activities and other initiatives, while encouraging the Banyoro to reciprocate the support.
The top performers in the bicycle races were celebrated, and they will proceed to the grand finale, set to take place on the 28th of October 2023 in Hoima City.
Bicycle Race Winners (Men):
• Alinda Living: 500,000/=
• Matovu Umaru: 400,000/=
• Atugonza David: 300,000/=
• Bategeka Wilber: 200,000/=
• Baguma Brian: 100,000/=
Bicycle Race Winners (Women):
• Kusemererwa Jennifer: 400,000/=
• Tuhaise Beatrice: 300,000/=
• Birungi Oliver: 200,000/=
• Birungi Rose: 100,000/=
• Agatha Phiona: 50,000/=
The Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Masaza Tournament has not only showcased the region's
sporting prowess but has also underlined the power of sports in fostering unity and
community engagement. As we await the grand finale on October 28th, the excitement
and anticipation continue to build, promising more thrilling action from Bunyoro's finest
athletes. Stay tuned!
