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David GOMBE
Mmamba Kakoboza etched its identify into Buganda sporting historical past after clinching its first-ever Airtel BIKA Event title with a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Nkima Clan following a goalless draw within the ultimate at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
A capability crowd of Buganda Kingdom devoted witnessed an unforgettable finale that introduced the curtain down on some of the aggressive editions of the historic inter-clan event.
Each finalists navigated a difficult knockout path to achieve the grand stage. Nkima, champions in 2018, displayed exceptional resilience all through the event.
They secured a spot within the semi-finals after defeating Mutima Musagi 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw, with Ivan Junior Katumba and Sudaise Mutale discovering the again of the online. Within the semi-final, Nkima edged Ngo Clan 1-0 due to a decisive strike from Katumba.
Mmamba Kakoboza’s journey was equally dramatic. They progressed from the quarter-finals after an personal objective by Lineker Buyondo settled their tie towards Kasimba. Within the semi-finals, Samuel Nsubuga’s solitary objective was sufficient to get rid of Kkobe 1-0 and e book a spot within the championship match.
The event noticed clans battle via a number of elimination rounds earlier than the ultimate 16 groups have been grouped into 4 swimming pools, from which the quarter-finalists emerged. Each finalists secured their locations within the title showdown via slender semi-final victories, with Nkima overcoming Ngo and Mmamba Kakoboza defeating Kkobe by similar 1-0 scorelines.
The ultimate itself was a tense and tightly contested affair, with neither aspect in a position to shake the online in 90 minutes. The match went into penalties, the place Mmamba Kakoboza goalkeeper Mathias Kigoonya saved two Nkima spot-kicks. Regardless of putting the bar along with his personal penalty try, Kigoonya’s saves determined Mmamba Kakoboza 4-3 triumph to elevate the trophy that got here with Shs9 million money prize.
Nkima completed as runners-up and acquired Shs7 million. Within the third-place playoff, Kkobe defeated Ngo 1-0 courtesy of a Samuel Kawuma objective to safe bronze and a money prize of Shs3 million.
Particular person honors additionally highlighted the event’s excellent performers. Nelson Senkatuka of Mbogo Clan received the Golden Boot after scoring six objectives, whereas Nicholas Kabonge of Mmamba Kakoboza was named the event’s Most Useful Participant (MVP).
Within the netball competitors, Nte Clan emerged champions after defeating Mmamba within the ultimate.
Talking after the match, Airtel Uganda Head of Public Relations David Birungi congratulated the champions on ending a 50-year watch for the title and reaffirmed Airtel’s dedication to supporting the event.
“Congratulations to Mmamba Kakoboza Clan for the well-deserved victory. This yr’s BIKA Event has as soon as once more demonstrated the ability of sport to unite communities, rejoice tradition, and nurture expertise. Airtel is proud to be a part of this unimaginable journey and to contribute to Buganda’s wealthy heritage via sports activities,” Birungi stated.
The Airtel BIKA Event, which introduced collectively greater than 52 clans, together with 40 soccer groups and 26 netball groups, has advanced right into a flagship cultural and sporting occasion that celebrates identification, heritage, and neighborhood engagement.
Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga recommended the sportsmanship displayed all through the event and inspired younger individuals to embrace sports activities as a constructive path towards private growth.
“The BIKA Event is a vessel of our heritage, unity, and self-discipline. I congratulate Mmamba Kakoboza Clan on their victory and applaud all of the collaborating clans for protecting our traditions alive. I urge the youth to participate in sports activities and keep away from adverse habits resembling drug abuse and idleness. They should be intentional about constructing their future. Along with Airtel Uganda, we rejoice not only a successful workforce, however a successful tradition.”
The 2026 version featured clan groups competing in soccer, netball, chess, scrabble in Luganda, omweso, ludo, and different disciplines. The event kicked off on Might 2, 2026, at Wankulukuku, the place Mmamba Namakaka defeated Ngeye 1-0 within the opening match, setting the tone for a extremely aggressive month of clan sports activities.
The BIKA Sports activities Event has been a cornerstone of Buganda Kingdom tradition since 1950. Performed completely by Buganda’s clans, Uganda’s oldest soccer competitors was established to foster unity, promote expertise growth, and supply leisure for the Kabaka’s topics.
