The MTN-sponsored Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Enganda Football Tournament and Bicycle Races delivered another thrilling chapter on Friday in Buliisa District, drawing large crowds and showcasing exceptional talent.
Abajangi Secure Maiden Second-Round Spot
Abajangi Clan made history by advancing to the second round of the Enganda Football Tournament for the first time. The team earned four points in three tightly contested games, including a crucial 1-0 victory over Abatabi. The defense, led by goalkeeper Victor Okello, was impenetrable, with Okello keeping two clean sheets in the group stage.
Abajangi’s defensive masterclass was highlighted during their goalless draw against the formidable Ababyasi team, which features top strikers Gilbert Kansiime and Isaac Bwana. The resilient Abajangi side also displayed tactical brilliance under coach Julius Ayesiga, who spoke of their ambitions for the final stages in Hoima next January.
“We treated every match like a final game because we knew the teams we were up against,” said Okello. “We’ve faced Ababyasi before in 2022 and lost to them. This time, we played as a team and edged them out.”
Coach Ayesiga echoed Okello’s sentiment: “We have good players and are capable of winning in Hoima. Training has intensified because we know all the teams this year are strong.”
Football Results in Buliisa:
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Abatabi 3:1 Ababyasi
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Ababyasi 0:0 Abajangi
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Abajangi 1:0 Abatabi
Hundreds Turn Out for Bicycle Races
The Bunyoro kingdom's MTN-sponsored bicycle races also took center stage in Buliisa, attracting hundreds of participants across the region. The races celebrated both talent and fitness, with Chief Administrative Officer Alex Katusabe praising MTN for its enduring support of the kingdom’s sports initiatives.
“We appreciate MTN for supporting sports activities aimed at developing talent and mobilizing our people to engage in income-generating activities,” Katusabe said.
The race produced competitive performances, with the top winners securing cash prizes.
Men’s Race Winners:
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Geofrey Abikuha – UGX 500,000
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Stephen Mukonyezi – UGX 400,000
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Linus Kyomukama – UGX 300,000
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Rogers Tumwesige – UGX 200,000
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Martin Kemigisa – UGX 100,000
Women’s Race Winners:
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Sylvia Asaba – UGX 500,000
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Judith Atulinde – UGX 400,000
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Irene Atuhairwe – UGX 300,000
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Annet Kusemererwa – UGX 200,000
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Darlison Aheebwa – UGX 100,000
All participants received UGX 20,000 as a token of appreciation. The top ten riders from each category have qualified for the grand finals in Hoima City next January.
The Road to Hoima
The tournament and bicycle races will continue on December 6, 2024, at Thomas Moor Secondary School in Kigorobya Town Council, Hoima District. With both events intensifying, all eyes are on Hoima for what promises to be a spectacular showdown in January.
