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The picturesque county of Kabujogera in Kitagwenda witnessed an exhilarating bicycle race yesterday, as the Tooro Kingdom, in partnership with MTN Uganda, hosted a thrilling event that left residents buzzing with excitement. The race, aimed at promoting sports talent and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, received overwhelming support from the community.

A total of 26 skilled riders, including 19 manual bike riders and 7 sports bike riders, fearlessly maneuvered through a challenging 30-kilometer route. The cyclists braved the rugged roads, pedaling their way from Kabujogera town council to Ntara and back.

The race winners were crowned amidst cheers and applause. Lauben Barekyeraho emerged as the triumphant champion in the ordinary bicycle category, while Joshua Mugume clinched the top spot in the sports bike race. Their remarkable performances showcased their dedication and skill on the challenging terrain.

MTN’s sponsorship of the race received praise from various leaders and officials. Obadiah Mwijuka, the Tooro Kingdom County Chief for Kitagwenda, expressed gratitude towards MTN for their unwavering support of the Kingdom’s sports activities. Mwijuka recalled the cherished memory of when King Oyo’s father, King Patrick David Kaboyo Olimi III, visited the area and played football with pupils at Ntuntu Primary School.

Joseph Ruwheza, the Chairperson of Kabujogera town council, encouraged the youth to embrace the race as an opportunity to break away from monotony and avoid harmful temptations. Aggrey Byaruhanga, the MTN Regional Marketing Manager, urged the young generation to actively participate in the Kingdom’s sports activities while spreading awareness about the urgent need to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030. Byaruhanga reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to supporting Tooro Kingdom’s health campaigns.

Ismael Mushemeza, the Kitagwenda district Chairperson, commended Tooro Kingdom for extending its services throughout the entire Kingdom. He urged residents to take inspiration from the Baganda and wholeheartedly engage in Kingdom activities, thereby taking ownership of their heritage. Mushemeza also revealed the government’s plans to construct a sports center in Kitagwenda, aiming to enhance co-curricular activities in the region and provide opportunities for young talents to flourish.

The race not only celebrated the winners but also highlighted the positive impact it had on the participants’ lives. Vincent Tumwebaze, last year’s winner and this year’s second-place finisher, expressed gratitude for the 500,000 Shillings prize money he received from MTN. He revealed that the funds helped him take care of his health and invest in his small business, paving the way for a brighter future.

MTN’s unwavering support for the Tooro Kingdom bicycle race demonstrated their commitment to promoting sports talent and fostering community engagement. The race’s success serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in achieving common goals, and it further strengthens the bond between MTN and Tooro Kingdom.

MTN Uganda has announced its partnership with Tooro Kingdom for the highly anticipated second edition of the Masaza Football and Bicycle Racing Tournament. With a commitment of over Shs150 million in sponsorship, MTN is dedicated to fostering healthy living and sports development among the youth in Tooro Kingdom.

The Masaza Football and Bicycle Racing Tournament, organized by Tooro Kingdom, is set to attract audiences as it runs concurrently across the nine counties of the kingdom for two months. This initiative serves as a catalyst for engaging the youth in sports activities and providing them with a platform to channel their energy into healthy pursuits. MTN Uganda believes in the transformative power of sports to uplift communities and empower individuals.

According to official kingdom figures, 15 out of every 100 people in Tooro are affected by HIV/AIDS, emphasizing the urgency of raising awareness about the disease and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Rt Hon Prime Minister Stephen Kiyingi Amooti, highlighted the significance of this tournament in combating this issue. He stated, “Our King HM Oyo Kabamba Iguru has dedicated a lot of his own time and effort to ensure that youths take the reins of leadership in every sphere and area where they are found, but this can only be achieved if they embrace a healthy lifestyle.”

MTN Uganda, as the main sponsor of the tournament, is deeply committed to rallying the subjects of King Oyo towards a healthier way of life. John Paul Okwi, the Head of Sponsorships and Events at MTN, expressed the company’s dedication to this cause. He emphasized, “We call upon all the subjects of King Oyo to embrace sports as we raise our voices and encourage the youth to prioritize their well-being by taking good care of themselves, both physically and mentally.”

Kingdom Prime Minister Rt Hon. Steven Kiyingi delivering a speech during the launch of the Masaza cup tounorment at Mucwa kingdom headquaters
MTN Uganda's John Paul Okwi alongside Toro Premier Stephen Kiyingi launch the bicycle race second edition as kingdom minister look on 2
MTN Uganda's John Paul Okwi alongside Toro Premier Stephen Kiyingi launch the bicycle race second edition as kingdom minister look on
Some of the participating county football teams pose for a grp photo with Prime Minister Stephen Kiyingi and MTN's John Paul Okwi
Toro Kingdom Ministers and officials attending the launch of the second edition of the masaza cup at Mucwa kingdom headquaters

The Masaza Football and Bicycle Racing Tournament not only promotes healthy living but also aligns with Tooro Kingdom’s strategic development agenda. Michael Wandera, the Tooro Kingdom Minister for Sports, commended MTN for their consistent partnership and support. Wandera stated, “We appreciate the partnership with MTN, which aims to promote healthy well-being among the youths of Tooro through sports.”

As an organization deeply rooted in corporate social responsibility, MTN Uganda remains committed to empowering communities and fostering positive change. The collaboration with Tooro Kingdom for the Masaza Football and Bicycle Racing Tournament showcases MTN’s dedication to uplifting the youth and promoting a healthy lifestyle through the spirit of sports.

MTN Uganda joins the people of Tooro today to celebrate the 27th coronation anniversary of His Majesty, the Omukama King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

Speaking at the coronation anniversary celebrations held at the King’s palace in Fort Portal today, MTN’s Acting CEO Andrew Bugembe expressed his gratitude to the Omukama for championing development in his kingdom through among others, projects the Obukama jointly executes with MTN. “We are honoured that through the partnership with the Obukama of Tooro, “MTN has and continues to have the opportunity of engaging with communities in areas of strengthening cultural ties, improving health services and participating in sports – all of which are a strong force in fostering cohesion and development across the kingdom”, he said. 

Bugembe went on to pay tribute to the King for personally engaging in the initiatives MTN has undertaken together with the Kingdom.

MTN in partnership with Tooro kingdom have over the years worked together to execute several initiatives for the benefit of the communities in Tooro. Most recently, the two institutions concluded the “Obugali Bwa Masaza” bicycle races competition between the counties that make up Tooro. Earlier this year, the partnership successfully executed the Masaza football tournament held in all 9 counties of Tooro

And during the difficult time of the pandemic, MTN worked together with the Obukama to alleviate the suffering the community were going through by equipping heath centres in the kingdom with much needed Oxygen.

Tooro kingdom’s Prime Minister Stephen Kiyingi applauded MTN for their willingness to create partnerships that support communities. “I would like to recognize MTN Uganda for their efforts in improving the socio-cultural well-being of the people of Tooro through various health, education, and sports initiatives. I look forward to sustaining the momentum built over the years,” he committed.

The MTN-sponsored bicycle races “Obugali Bwa Masaza” were successfully concluded last week with His Royal Highness King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV taking part in the finale. The races were held as a precursor to the 27th coronation anniversary celebrations. In 2020, MTN reached out to the community with a donation of 80 hospital beds and the refurbishment of Kijuura Health Centre III in Fort Portal. This initiative has greatly improved access to maternal health services in the area.  

MTN seeks to work with institutions like the Obukama to make markable interventions that will in time contribute to the transformation of communities. “At MTN, we believe we can only succeed if the communities in which we operate succeed,” Mr Bugembe noted in conclusion.