With the 14th coronation anniversary of Ubimu Phillips Olarker Rauni III of Ker Alur fast approaching, the final whistle has blown on the 3rd edition of regional bicycle races, a key event designed to bring youths together across the Ker Alur Kingdom. Winners from all three counties have been awarded for their outstanding performances, while excitement continues to build ahead of the grand finale.
MTN Uganda and Ker Alur have partnered to organize both the 7th edition of the Kopu P’Ubimu football tournament and the regional bicycle races, aiming to foster unity and cultural pride within the community. These events are part of the lead-up to the coronation anniversary, set for October 26th, 2024, at Bar Omach.
Final Battles Await
The bicycle race finalists from each county will go head-to-head at Pajobi in Pakwach Town Council for the ultimate prize. Meanwhile, the Kopu P’Ubimu football tournament final between Padyere and Jonam Counties will take place at Pacego Playground, Panyango Sub-County, on October 19th, adding another layer of excitement to the build-up.
Ker Alur's Executive Director, Vincent Ochaya, emphasized the importance of discipline during the finals. "As Ker Alur, we will not tolerate any acts of indiscipline that could tarnish the image of Alur culture. These activities are meant to foster social cohesion and promote our rich cultural heritage," Ochaya said.
The 10-kilometer regional races saw fierce competition, with participants pushing their limits for cash prizes. Charity Andhu came out on top in Padyere’s female race, securing the grand prize of UGX 500,000, while Jenifer Akumu and Teopita Anego followed as the 1st and 2nd runner-ups, taking home UGX 200,000 and UGX 100,000, respectively.
In the male category, Victor Ofoirwoth emerged victorious, pocketing UGX 500,000, with Bright Onegiu securing second place and Stephen Jatic-Ongeyo taking third, earning UGX 200,000 and UGX 100,000, respectively.
Bigger Stakes in the Final
MTN Uganda's Territory Sales Manager, Godwin Taban, praised the cultural significance of these sporting activities and expressed the company’s commitment to cultural institutions across the country. “We are proud to support these initiatives, and as we reach the climax of the sporting activities in Ker Alur, the finalists from all three counties will compete for even bigger prizes,” said Taban.
The stakes will be high in the upcoming final, with the winner of the bicycle race set to receive a whopping UGX 1.5 million, the 1st runner-up taking home UGX 700,000, and the 2nd runner-up pocketing UGX 500,000.
“We are committed to building strong social and business networks with cultural institutions through events like these, which not only promote culture but also create lasting relationships,” Taban added.
As the 14th coronation anniversary of Ubimu Phillips Olarker Rauni III approaches, both the Kopu P'Ubimu football tournament and the regional bicycle races are set to conclude with thrilling finales, celebrating sport, culture, and community unity across the Alur Kingdom.
