‘Friends of Ndamira Cup’ Final excites Nakaseke locals

The 'Friends of Ndamira Cup' culminated over the weekend in Nakaseke District, following a successful six-week duration from March to April 2025.

This football tournament, now an established feature promoting unity within Nakaseke North, served as a platform for showcasing sporting prowess and the efficacy of collaborative endeavors.

Mr. Philip Tumukunde Ndamira, a prospective NRM Member of Parliament, mobilized support from his network of associates in Kampala and the diaspora to facilitate the event and its community-oriented objectives.

The tournament comprised eight participating teams engaging in a round-robin competition. The four highest-ranking teams proceeded to the semi-final stage, culminating in a highly anticipated final match between Kololo Zone and Ngoma B Zone.

The championship concluded in a 2-2 draw, with Kololo Zone ultimately securing the 2025 title through a 4-3 victory in a sudden-death penalty shootout against Ngoma B Zone.

This year's tournament highlighted exceptional individual talent. Mr. Ssebandeke Joram was recognized as the Most Valuable Player and also achieved the distinction of being the tournament's leading scorer with seven goals. The award for Best Goalkeeper was conferred upon Mr. Isaac Kakiga. The entire event was commended for its peaceful conduct, contrasting with previous regional competitions that had experienced disruptions.

Complementing the football tournament, a one-day women's netball match introduced an additional element of engagement and inclusivity to the weekend activities. The match featured Kiruuli Zone competing against Ngoma A in a spirited contest that resulted in a 13–8 victory for Kiruuli. Ms. Nantongo Balikis of Kiruuli was named the Netball MVP for her outstanding performance.

The 'Friends of Ndamira Cup' also generated a significant positive impact beyond the sporting arena. The tournament facilitated the channeling of support towards community development initiatives, including the provision of scholastic furniture and construction materials for Ngoma Secondary School, sporting equipment for Ngoma Town Council, and building supplies for Kyabigulu Church of Uganda Primary School. Furthermore, Friends of Ndamira donated bricks and cement for the construction of a public sanitation facility in Kirangazi, addressing a critical need within the locality. These efforts underscore the event's broader mission of advancing education and development through sport. The final match attracted a substantial and enthusiastic audience exceeding 1,000 individuals, demonstrating the strong support from the Nakaseke community.

The local organizing committee was under the leadership of Mr. Musa Mulinda and Mr. Akim Muwonge, with significant support from local authorities who provided security personnel, refreshments, and match referees.

Mr. Ndamira, in his capacity as the chief guest at the final, expressed his satisfaction with the event's success, stating, “I am pleased to be associated with this successful event, which was organized by local individuals and attended by people from diverse backgrounds. In contrast to prior competitions held in this area, there were no instances of violence, and the participating teams presented a vibrant display characterized by a spirit of sportsmanship."

In his address, Mr. Ndamira also acknowledged the pressing need for infrastructural improvements in the region, specifically emphasizing the deteriorated condition of the Butalangu–Ngoma road. He pledged to convey this and other concerns raised by residents directly to His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni. Mr. Ndamira also extended his gratitude to the people of Nakaseke North for their continued trust and support for the National Resistance Movement.

In his address, Mr. Ndamira also acknowledged the pressing need for infrastructural improvements in the region, specifically emphasizing the deteriorated condition of the Butalangu–Ngoma road. He pledged to convey this and other concerns raised by residents directly to His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni. Mr. Ndamira also extended his gratitude to the people of Nakaseke North for their continued trust and support for the National Resistance Movement.