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David GOMBE
Mmamba Kakoboza etched its title into Buganda sporting historic previous after clinching its first-ever Airtel BIKA Match title with a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Nkima Clan following a goalless draw inside the final at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
A functionality crowd of Buganda Kingdom devoted witnessed an unforgettable finale that launched the curtain down on a number of the aggressive editions of the historic inter-clan occasion.
Every finalists navigated a tough knockout path to realize the grand stage. Nkima, champions in 2018, displayed excellent resilience all by the occasion.
They secured a spot inside 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 once more of the online. Throughout the semi-final, Nkima edged Ngo Clan 1-0 attributable to a decisive strike from Katumba.
Mmamba Kakoboza’s journey was equally dramatic. They progressed from the quarter-finals after an private intention by Lineker Buyondo settled their tie in opposition to Kasimba. Throughout the semi-finals, Samuel Nsubuga’s solitary intention was ample to do away with Kkobe 1-0 and book a spot inside the championship match.
The occasion seen clans battle via numerous elimination rounds sooner than the final word 16 teams have been grouped into 4 swimming swimming pools, from which the quarter-finalists emerged. Every finalists secured their places inside the title showdown via slim semi-final victories, with Nkima overcoming Ngo and Mmamba Kakoboza defeating Kkobe by comparable 1-0 scorelines.
The final word itself was a tense and tightly contested affair, with neither aspect able to shake the online in 90 minutes. The match went into penalties, the place Mmamba Kakoboza goalkeeper Mathias Kigoonya saved two Nkima spot-kicks. No matter hanging the bar collectively along with his private penalty attempt, Kigoonya’s saves decided Mmamba Kakoboza 4-3 triumph to raise the trophy that acquired right here with Shs9 million cash prize.
Nkima accomplished as runners-up and obtained Shs7 million. Throughout the third-place playoff, Kkobe defeated Ngo 1-0 courtesy of a Samuel Kawuma intention to secure bronze and a cash prize of Shs3 million.
Explicit particular person honors moreover highlighted the occasion’s glorious performers. Nelson Senkatuka of Mbogo Clan acquired the Golden Boot after scoring six targets, whereas Nicholas Kabonge of Mmamba Kakoboza was named the occasion’s Most Worthwhile Participant (MVP).
Throughout the netball opponents, Nte Clan emerged champions after defeating Mmamba inside the final.
Speaking after the match, Airtel Uganda Head of Public Relations David Birungi congratulated the champions on ending a 50-year look ahead to the title and reaffirmed Airtel’s dedication to supporting the occasion.
“Congratulations to Mmamba Kakoboza Clan for the well-deserved victory. This yr’s BIKA Match has as quickly as as soon as extra demonstrated the power of sport to unite communities, have enjoyable custom, and nurture experience. Airtel is proud to be part of this unbelievable journey and to contribute to Buganda’s rich heritage via sports activities actions,” Birungi talked about.
The Airtel BIKA Match, which launched collectively larger than 52 clans, along with 40 soccer teams and 26 netball teams, has superior proper right into a flagship cultural and sporting event that celebrates identification, heritage, and neighborhood engagement.
Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga beneficial the sportsmanship displayed all by the occasion and impressed youthful people to embrace sports activities actions as a constructive path in the direction of non-public enchancment.
“The BIKA Match is a vessel of our heritage, unity, and self-discipline. I congratulate Mmamba Kakoboza Clan on their victory and applaud the entire collaborating clans for sustaining our traditions alive. I urge the youth to take part in sports activities actions and steer clear of unfavourable habits corresponding to drug abuse and idleness. They must be intentional about setting up their future. Together with Airtel Uganda, we’ve got enjoyable not solely a worthwhile crew, nevertheless a worthwhile custom.”
The 2026 model featured clan teams competing in soccer, netball, chess, scrabble in Luganda, omweso, ludo, and totally different disciplines. The occasion kicked off on Might 2, 2026, at Wankulukuku, the place Mmamba Namakaka defeated Ngeye 1-0 inside the opening match, setting the tone for a extraordinarily aggressive month of clan sports activities actions.
The BIKA Sports activities actions Match has been a cornerstone of Buganda Kingdom custom since 1950. Carried out solely by Buganda’s clans, Uganda’s oldest soccer opponents was established to foster unity, promote experience enchancment, and provide leisure for the Kabaka’s matters.
