Prior to its third staging, the annual Bamasaba Bikuuka (Inter-clan) sports tournament was handed a Shs50m financial boost by Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) through the Pilsner Lager brand.
“We are very proud to associate ourselves with this event. We are looking at it as a cultural celebration that is why we are part of it,” UBL Brand Manager Edgar Kihumuro told the media.
Organized by Inzu Ya Masaba (the Bamasaba Cultural Institution), the ongoing tournament that started with football and netball at Mbale SS grounds will also have marathons, bull riding, short put and bicycle racing among other sports.
The tournament that runs up to late October will be graced by Bamasaaba districts of Mbale, Sironko, Bududa, Manafwa, Bulambuli plus the Trans Nzoia and Bungoma communities in Kenya who also form part of the Bamasaaba community.
Inzu Ya Masaba Deputy Prime Minister Richard Michael Nataka believes that the tourney provides a chance to for the youth to stay in touch with their rich heritage through sports.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the young people to celebrate their ancestry. They will also be inspired, entertained and given opportunity to showcase their talent,” Nataka noted.
26 clans are taking part in the competition that has Halasi as the football defending champions while Lutsekh are the netball title holders.
The event is played after two years, runs in the odd years with the even years reserved for the circumcision ceremony. Meanwhile, Explorer Dubai have given all the participating clans football and netball jerseys.
The clans that have so far qualified to Round of 16 in Football include; defending champions Halasi, Wakoko, Mutiru, Muyobo, Ginyanya, Wangokho, Kigai, Mututa and Hugu. However, Halasi qualification awaits the outcome of Tandiga petition to the organisers.
In netball, Kobero, Wangokho, Muyobo, Ginyanya, Kigai, Sulani, Hugu and Halasi have stormed round of 16.
The games resume this Saturday with Masifa hosting Ginyanya at Masaba SS in group B while Mutiru hosts Wakoko clan at Napoleon play ground in Group E.
On Sunday, Luganya host Lago clan at Mayembe play grounds in group G while Lutsekhe host Mumbo at Bumalye grounds-Bududa.
