The MTN Tooro Kingdom Masaza took center stage as hundreds of spectators flocked to Katooke modern Playground on June 2, 2023, to witness the adrenaline-fueled Bicycle Races and the highly-anticipated Tooro Masaza MTN Football tournament. The joint-hosted events captivated the audience, showcasing remarkable talent and intense competition.

In a display of sheer determination, 36 riders from Mwenge North showcased their cycling prowess in the MTN sponsored Tooro Kingdom Bicycle Race. Covering a challenging distance of approximately 30 kilometers from Katooke Town Council to Mabira and back, the riders navigated the route with finesse and returned unscathed.

“I’m glad MTN Uganda in coordination with the Tooro Kingdom have kept the custom of these races in a bid to appreciate our talents,” expressed Aaron Muhumuza, a resident of Katooke and a double winner in the sports bikes category. Muhumuza, who failed to secure a top-five position in last year’s ordinary races, credited his decision to try his luck in the sports bikes category for his triumph.

The winners in the sports bicycles category included Ibrahim Kawooya, Mugisha Emmanuel, Aaron Muhumuza, Muwonge Muzamil, and Ahebwa Vincent Byoma. Meanwhile, the ordinary bikes category saw Amanyire Wilson, Alituha Rodger, Tukugize David, Tumusiime Leo, and Amanya Wilson emerge as victors. These riders were rewarded with funds ranging from 500,000 to 100,000 Ugandan shillings, respectively, according to their respective categories.

The Tooro Kingdom county chief, Adolf Baseka Musinguzi, commended MTN Uganda and the Tooro Kingdom for their collaboration in organizing the bicycle race. Baseka urged the winners to continue pushing themselves in training to surpass their counterparts from other counties, emphasizing the importance of sustained effort in achieving excellence.

On the same action-packed day, the MTN-sponsored Tooro Kingdom Masaza Football tournament continued to heat up the competition. Fort Portal City faced off against Kyaka County in the first match, which ended in a goalless draw. In the following match, Kyaka secured a 2-1 victory over Mwenge North, solidifying their spot in the semi-finals. Mwenge North’s tenacity paid off in their final match against Fort Portal City, as they claimed a narrow 1-0 victory.

Hon. Tom Bright, the Kyegegwa MP and a supporter of the Kyaka team, delivered a message of sportsmanship and non-violence to the players. He acknowledged the Tooro Kingdom MTN Masaza football tournament as a platform that not only discovers and nurtures youth talent but also serves as a reminder that there is life beyond the games.

Owek. Wandera Micheal, the Tooro Kingdom sports minister, highlighted the significance of these competitions in engaging the youth in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He expressed his appreciation for MTN’s support in various aspects, including the Masaza football tournament and the provision of hospital beds.

The MTN Tooro Kingdom Masaza continues to captivate audiences, celebrating the region’s rich sporting talents and fostering community engagement. Through the partnership between MTN Uganda and the Tooro Kingdom, these events stand as testaments to the power of sports in driving positive change and inspiring young individuals to reach their full potential.

The 2nd Round of the 5th Edition of Omupiira Gwa Masaza Ga Busoga resumed last weekend with several matches lined up for Sunday and Monday respectively. 

This year’s competition that is running under the theme “Talent Identification, Development and Promotion”, is proudly sponsored by MTN Uganda with Mayuge Sugar Industries Limited as co-sponsors.

The tournament has so far been full of excitement and surprises as presumed giants surprisingly failed to collect maximum points at home as expected since 14th May 2022 when the opening match was played at St Gonzaga playground in Kagoma. 

On Sunday, Bukooli-Namayingo hosted Busiki at Namayingo P/S in a spirited match that saw Bukooli Namayingo score 3 goals against Busiki that failed to see the back of the net in its 2nd round opening match.

Bukono conceded one goal from Bugabula at Ivukula Subcounty playground in a match that ended 1-0 in favor of Bugabula while Buzaaya beat Budiope 2-0 in a heated match that was held at Buyende P/S Playground 

Early this week on Monday, Luuka hosted Bugweri at Luuka district headquarters playground, Bukooli Bugiri took on Bulamogi at Hindocha playground and Kigulu hosted Bunhole-Bunanumba at Iganga Saza ground.

Six matches have been slated for this weekend. On Saturday, Butembe will take on Budiope at the Budondo Subcounty grounds while Bunha shall face-off with Bukooli-Namayingo at the Buluba Hospital grounds. On the same day, Bugweri will play against Kigulu at the Busesa Mixed p/S pitch.

On Sunday, the action will continue with Bulamogi playing against Bukono at Namwiwa P/S playground while Bunhole-Bunanhumba shall take on Luuka at the Bugadde P/s playground. Bugabula shall host Bukooli-Bugiri at the Kamuli Municipal grounds.

As the 2nd round ensues, the competing teams are targeting the next phase of the knockout stage to brighten their chances of getting to the quarterfinals coupled with the semis and eventually finals to be played on 13th August. 

 

As the highly contested first-ever Tooro Masaza Football Tournament comes to a feverish crescendo, Kyaka FC and Bunyangabu FC will face off in the finals that are slated for this Friday 15th April, at 3 pm at the Buhinga Stadium in Fort Portal City.

In the just-concluded Semi-Finals, kyaka beat Burahya 2-1 to qualify for the finals while Bunyangabu beat Kibale 3-2 to make it to the headlining match of the tournament.

This championship match is a befitting culmination of a month-long series of heated matches played amongst the 9 counties of Tooro Kingdom.

The tournament is part of MTN’s sponsorship package to the Kingdom following a partnership between the telecom and the Kingdom in an endeavor to uplift the people of Tororo through leveraging sports alongside other social-economic engagements such as health and education.

While Kyaka FC and Bunyangabu FC will be tussling it out for the first and second place, another match will be held between Burahya and Kibale FC, on the same day to determine the 3rd and 4th place.

In this highly anticipated championship match, the winning team will walk away with Ugx.5 million shillings and a trophy, while the runner-up will get Ugx.3 million shillings. The third-placed team will get Ugx.1.5 million shillings while the fourth team will be given Ugx.500,000 shillings.

Hon. Peace Regis Mutuuzo Bunyangabu county woman Representative, who doubles as state minister for gender and culture who graced the Semi-Finals last weekend applauded MTN Uganda for providing a platform for the youths in Tooro region to showcase their soccer skills.

“Apart from showcasing their skills in soccer, this tournament has also provided a platform for the leadership of Tooro to interact with the youth and sensitize the masses who turn up for the matches on all pertinent issues pertaining to their welfare,” Mutuuzo said.

Tooro Kingdom has nine counties that include, Ntoroko, Kibale, Bunyangabu, Kitagwenda, Mwenge North, Mwenge South, Kyaka, Fort Portal, and Burahya. All the counties participated in the tournament that has proven to be the hottest sporting activity in the Kingdom thus far.