KYEGEGWA, UGANDA — The fourth edition of the MTN Kabode Tooro Kingdom Amasaza Tournament roared to life on Sunday at a packed Humura Playground, and it was Kyaka County that stole the show with commanding performances in both football and netball.
The energy was electric, the competition fierce, and the message clear—Kyaka came to conquer.
In football, Kyaka delivered a gritty, character-filled 2-0 victory over Kibaale County that instantly stamped their authority on Group A.
Midfield dynamo Jonathan Kissaku was the hero of the hour, scoring both goals and earning man-of-the-match honors.
His first came early, capitalizing on a moment of chaos in Kibaale’s defense, and the second was a confidently taken penalty in the 76th minute. The drama didn’t end there—Kyaka were forced to play the final half-hour with ten men after Fred Tumusiime was controversially shown a second yellow card for simulation.
But rather than buckle, they dug deep, with goalkeeper Francis pulling off a string of outstanding saves to preserve a clean sheet and secure all three points.
Kyaka’s coach, Innocent Barigye, was full of praise for his squad.
“The boys played with heart and stuck to our plan even when we were down to ten men. This is the kind of character we need to go far in the tournament,” he said, clearly buoyed by the team’s gritty showing.
Kibaale, on the other hand, will now look to bounce back when they face Fort Portal County on June 29 at Kyabenda Playground, while Kyaka meets the same side in what’s already shaping up to be a thrilling July 20 showdown at St. Leo’s College Kyegobe.
But if Kyaka’s footballers impressed, their women’s netball team dazzled.
Making their debut in the newly introduced netball competition, Kyaka steamrolled their way into the semifinals, beginning with a jaw-dropping 83-8 demolition of Kibaale before edging past Fort Portal 46-45 in a thrilling, end-to-end battle.
Fort Portal had earlier crushed Kibaale 93-13, but it was Kyaka’s composure and consistency that proved decisive.
Leading the charge was the brilliant Aisha Namuyomba, whose sharp shooting and court command earned her the day’s MVP title.
Her prize? A brand-new MTN Kabode smartphone—and in a uniquely local twist, ten chickens from the Kyaka MTN Eco Farm. It was a perfect blend of fun and functionality, a reminder that this tournament is as much about community as it is competition.
Indeed, the broader purpose of the tournament was front and center under this year’s theme: “Get Tested & Know Your HIV Status: Leaving No One Behind.” It’s a message that resonated with Tooro Kingdom Premier, Owek. Calvin Armstrong, who emphasized that the event isn’t just about sports.
“This is not only about winning or losing, but bringing together subjects from various counties to foster unity and togetherness,” he said.
Backed by MTN Uganda, the tournament has reached new heights this year, with increased prize money adding extra motivation. Football champions will now walk away with UGX 12 million—up from UGX 7.5 million last year—while netball winners will take home UGX 5 million, a significant boost that reflects the growing stature of both the sport and the event.
And the excitement is just getting started. On June 15, defending football champions Burahya County enter the fray against Ntoroko County at Kyembogo Playground.
Then, on June 22, 2023’s netball champions Mwenge South make their long-awaited debut against Bunyangabu County at Katoosa Playground.
With Kyaka County’s explosive start setting the standard, fans across the kingdom can buckle up for a month of unforgettable action. This year’s MTN Kabode Masaza Tournament promises drama, brilliance, unity—and perhaps a few more chickens.
