Kyaka County made a commanding start to the 2024 MTN Kabode Tooro Kingdom Masaza Tournament on Sunday, claiming emphatic victories in both football and netball on a spirited opening day at Humura Playground.
In the football competition, Kyaka overcame a second-half red card to beat Kibaale County 2-0, while their netball team stormed into the semifinals with back-to-back wins.
The tournament, now in its fourth edition and sponsored by MTN Uganda, blends sports, cultural celebration, and public health awareness under this year’s theme: “Get Tested & Know Your HIV Status: Leaving No One Behind.”
Kyaka Impress in Group A Opener
Kyaka’s football team, drawn in Group A, delivered a clinical performance led by midfielder Jonathan Kissaku, who scored both goals to earn the man-of-the-match award.
He broke the deadlock in the first half, capitalising on defensive lapses by Kibaale, and later sealed the win in the 76th minute with a composed penalty.
This result came despite Kyaka being reduced to 10 men after Fred Tumusiime received a second yellow card for simulation.
Kibaale pressed in search of a response, but Kyaka goalkeeper Francis was equal to the task, making several key saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Kyaka coach Innocent Barigye commended his side’s discipline and resilience under pressure.
“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,” Barigye said.
Kibaale County will aim to regroup when they face Fort Portal County on June 29 at Kyabenda Playground. Kyaka returns to action on July 20 against Fort Portal at St. Leo’s College Kyegobe.
Kyaka Netball Team Secures Semifinal Spot
In women’s netball, Kyaka continued their dominant form, thrashing Kibaale 83-8 before edging Fort Portal 46-45 in a tightly contested match. Fort Portal had earlier cruised past Kibaale 93-13, but Kyaka’s consistency earned them top spot and a place in the semifinals.
Aisha Namuyomba stood out as Kyaka’s top scorer and was named Most Valuable Player of the day. She received a brand-new MTN Kabode smartphone and 10 chickens from the Kyaka MTN Eco Farm—a prize reflecting the tournament’s grassroots and community-focused values.
Tooro Kingdom Premier, Owek. Calvin Armstrong, reaffirmed the broader purpose of the event:
“This is not only about winning or losing, but bringing together subjects from various counties to foster unity and togetherness.”
Increased Prize Money and More Action Ahead
This year’s tournament has seen a boost in prize money, with the football champions set to receive UGX 12 million (up from UGX 7.5 million) and netball winners taking home UGX 5 million. The sponsorship by MTN Uganda has further enhanced the tournament’s reach and impact across the kingdom.
Defending football champions Burahya County will begin their title defense next Sunday (June 15) against Ntoroko County at Kyembogo Playground. Meanwhile, 2023 netball champions Mwenge South make their debut on June 22 against Bunyangabu County at Katoosa Playground.
Kyaka County’s explosive opening performance has set a high bar for the rest of the tournament.
With competitive fixtures ahead and growing community engagement, the MTN Kabode Masaza Tournament promises another memorable chapter for Tooro Kingdom sport.
