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David GOMBE
The annual Airtel Bika Match stays a flagship grassroots sports activities actions initiative that unites clans all through Buganda, promoting cultural heritage, social cohesion, and group enchancment formally kicked off on Saturday at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku .
This 12 months, over 52 clans are collaborating all through soccer and netball, with 40 clans competing throughout the soccer class. Teams will battle by the use of the group stage with the very best teams in each group turning into a member of the seeded sides who’re already throughout the subsequent following their success ultimate 12 months.
The rivals builds on ultimate 12 months’s dramatic finale, the place Ngabi Nsamba clan edged Ndiga clan in a tense penalty shootout to effectively defend the Bika Bya Baganda Soccer Defend, cementing their standing as reigning champions.
On the netball courts, movement moreover kicked off in a vibrant gala format, with numerous opening-round fixtures delivering thrilling performances. Nnyonnyi Nnyange secured a 34–30 victory over Olulyo Olulangira, whereas Nte dominated Njovu with a commanding 40–00 win. Ngeye edged Ngabi Nsamba 26–23 in a intently contested match, as Kkobe narrowly defeated Omutima Omusagi 35–32. Mpindi moreover impressed with a robust 40–00 overcome Njaza, highlighting the aggressive spirit all through the opening video video games.
Speaking on the opening match, Airtel Uganda’s Product sales Director, Ali Balunywa, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to supporting community-driven initiatives, “We’re as quickly as as soon as extra proud to be part of this match that brings collectively the heart of the Buganda Kingdom its clans. Competitions similar to the Airtel Bika Cup promote unity and togetherness, values we strongly think about in at Airtel. We’re devoted to setting up communities by the use of shared experiences like this.”
Balunywa added, “As we’ve seen in earlier years, the Airtel Bika Match is additional than merely soccer. It’s a platform for youthful experience to showcase their abilities, with many players occurring to affix prime golf tools and even symbolize Uganda on the nationwide stage.”
The Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, who officiated the opening match, advisable the continued partnership with Airtel Uganda and highlighted the cultural significance of the match, “We’re grateful for companions like Airtel Uganda who continuously assist our imaginative and prescient. The Bika Match is an embodiment of Buganda’s values of unity, id, and self-discipline. By the use of such platforms, we defend our heritage and strengthen our communities.”
Owek. Mayiga known as upon most people to actively participate, “I congratulate instantly’s winners and encourage all Kabaka’s matters and soccer lovers to attend the matches in large numbers as we journey in route of the finals, the place the 2026 Bika champions will lastly be topped.”
Mmamba Namakaka edged Ngeye 1-0 throughout the official opener on account of a Peter Kaye sole strike whereas Musu beat Nte 3-1 throughout the completely different recreation on the opening day.
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