Centenary Bank, the largest commercial microfinance bank in Uganda has re-echoed its commitment towards the Masaza Cup tournament. This was expressed by Micheal JJingo as he handed over a cheque worth Ushs 12million to Bulemezi who emerged winners at this year’s closing match over the weekend at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku. JJingo also handed over cheques worth Ushs 9 million,7million and 5million to Gomba, Mawokota and Buddu which finished in the 1st,2nd runner up and fourth places respectively.
The Buganda Kingdom launched the Masaza Cup Football Tournament in 2014 to develop potential among the children from the several Counties or Masaza that comprise the Buganda Kingdom and the neighboring territories. The topic for this year’s edition was “Men in the Fight against HIV/AIDS to Save the Girl Child,” calling attention to socioeconomic challenges impacting the community.
Earlier this month, the bank contributed Ugx 600 million towards the tournament which will be divided into Ugx 200 million for the next three years. Speaking at the closing game, Micheal JJingo, the General Manager of Commercial Services at Centenary Bank re-echoed the bank’s commitment to further nurturing talent in youths in the kingdom.
“This tournament serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, showcasing their abilities and fostering a spirit of friendship, togetherness and healthy competition. Through this partnership, we have witnessed the transformation of young talents into shining stars who go on to play in even bigger tournaments,” JJingo explained.
The 2023 tournament featured 18 counties of Buganda Kingdom which were pooled into three groups. Busiro, Gomba, Mawokota, Ssese, Mawogola, and Kabula made up the Muganzirwazza group. Masengere group comprised; Buddu, Buweekula, Kyaggwe, Kyaddondo, Buluuli, and Kkooki while Bulange was the third group, and it had Ssingo, Bulemeezi, Buvuma, Bugerere, and Busujju counties.
JJingo further commented on the beneficial relationship that the bank has had with the Kingdom, “Centenary Bank has had a longstanding relationship with the Buganda Kingdom, participating and partnering in different projects that are aimed at improving the lives of the people in the communities.”
The Katikiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga congratulated the winners and all the teams that participated in the 2023 tournament. “This tournament boosts talent among other development opportunities in the region and beyond and I encourage us all to continue being part of the competitions among other initiatives spearheaded by the Kingdom.” Mayiga commented adding, “I would like to thank Centenary Bank for making this possible with the numerous support all these years.”
The 20th edition of the tournament will commence early next year giving a chance to provide more opportunities for talent growth. Many of the great successes of the cup currently play in prominent local and international clubs.
