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David GOMBE

The annual Airtel Bika Match stays a flagship grassroots sports activities initiative that unites clans throughout Buganda, selling cultural heritage, social cohesion, and group improvement formally kicked off on Saturday at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku .

This 12 months, over 52 clans are taking part throughout soccer and netball, with 40 clans competing within the soccer class. Groups will battle by way of the group stage with the highest groups in every group becoming a member of the seeded sides who’re already within the subsequent following their success final 12 months.

The competitors builds on final 12 months’s dramatic finale, the place Ngabi Nsamba clan edged Ndiga clan in a tense penalty shootout to efficiently defend the Bika Bya Baganda Soccer Defend, cementing their standing as reigning champions.
On the netball courts, motion additionally kicked off in a vibrant gala format, with a number of 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 additionally impressed with a powerful 40–00 overcome Njaza, highlighting the aggressive spirit throughout the opening video games.

Talking on the opening match, Airtel Uganda’s Gross sales Director, Ali Balunywa, reaffirmed the corporate’s dedication to supporting community-driven initiatives, “We’re as soon as once more proud to be a part of this match that brings collectively the guts of the Buganda Kingdom  its clans. Competitions just like the Airtel Bika Cup promote unity and togetherness, values we strongly consider in at Airtel. We’re dedicated to constructing communities by way of shared experiences like this.”
Balunywa added, “As we’ve seen in earlier years, the Airtel Bika Match is extra than simply soccer. It’s a platform for younger expertise to showcase their talents, with many gamers occurring to affix prime golf equipment and even symbolize Uganda on the nationwide stage.”

The Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, who officiated the opening match, recommended the continued partnership with Airtel Uganda and highlighted the cultural significance of the match, “We’re grateful for companions like Airtel Uganda who constantly help our imaginative and prescient. The Bika Match is an embodiment of Buganda’s values of unity, id, and self-discipline. By way of such platforms, we protect our heritage and strengthen our communities.”

Owek. Mayiga referred to as upon the general public to actively take part, “I congratulate immediately’s winners and encourage all Kabaka’s topics and soccer lovers to attend the matches in giant numbers as we journey in direction of the finals, the place the 2026 Bika champions will finally be topped.”

Mmamba Namakaka edged Ngeye 1-0 within the official opener due to a Peter Kaye sole strike whereas Musu beat Nte 3-1 within the different recreation on the opening day.