PHOTOS: Balaam the Hero as Bagema clinch first-ever Bugwere Masaza title

Balaam was the hero as Bagema Clan sealed their first-ever Bugwere clan title with a 2-0 victory over Bakatikoko in Budaka.

Musenero Hajirah, Vice President of Bagwere Batakangana and Guest of Honour, hands over the championship trophy to Bagema Clan after their historic victory in the fourth Bika Bya Bugwere football tournament at Budaka Saza Grounds.

Budaka, Uganda: Bumba Balaam scored a decisive brace as Bagema Clan defeated Bakatikoko 2-0 to clinch their first-ever Bika Bya Bugwere football tournament title at Budaka Saza Grounds.

The victory came in the fourth edition of the annual clan championship organised under the stewardship of Bagwere Batakangana, bringing together clans from Pallisa, Kibuku, Butebo and Budaka districts to promote unity and sportsmanship.

Balaam opened the scoring in the 30th minute after a well-weighted assist from Eric Carter, who beat his marker before squaring the ball into his path.

With Bakatikoko pushing for an equaliser in the dying minutes, Bagema struck again in stoppage time. Mwiri Abdullah outran Denis on a swift counterattack and laid the ball into Balaam’s path for a calm finish in the 92nd minute, sealing a historic triumph.

The win handed Bagema their maiden crown since the tournament’s inception.

Mwima Moses, chairperson of the organising committee, congratulated the finalists for their discipline and determination. He apologised for the delayed finale, explaining that the tournament had originally been scheduled to conclude in December but was paused due to heightened political activities in the region.

“We had to wait for the political season to settle before completing the competition,” Moses said, while thanking sponsors and contributors for sustaining the event.

Dr. Bumba Ahamed, president of Bagwere Batakangana, praised the teams for their resilience and revealed that he serves as CEO of North Division Football Club, a third-division side under the Eastern Football Association.

He encouraged talented players from Bugwere to pursue professional trials through the club, emphasising sports as a pathway for youth empowerment.

Musenero Hajirah, vice president of Bagwere Batakangana and guest of honour, congratulated Bagema and likened the tournament to the Buganda Masaza Cup, urging political leaders and well-wishers to invest more in community sports initiatives.

Prize Money Breakdown

Champions – Bagema: Shs 1.5 million

Runners-up – Bakatikoko: Shs 800,000

Third Place – Bakaligwooko: Shs 600,000

Fourth Place – Bayosi: Shs 500,000

Balaam, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals, received an additional Shs 50,000 cash prize.