Mwenge South took center stage on Sunday as the MTN Kabode Tooro Kingdom Amasaza Cup served up a day of non-stop action, energy, and raw talent at Katoosa Playground.
The netball court belonged to Mwenge South, who breezed through their fixtures with authority to book a spot in the semi-finals of the tournament’s first-ever netball edition.
They thrashed Bunyangabu Isaza 56-24, then outclassed Mwenge North Isaza 55-26 in back-to-back wins that underlined their dominance.
Even Bunyangabu’s narrow 44-33 win over Mwenge North couldn’t shift the spotlight away from the unbeaten Mwenge South side. Netball official Alfred Bagonza was full of praise after their display.
“We’re very happy that MTN is supporting the girls’ game. In this first edition we’ve started strong—I believe my girls will reach the final,” he said.
Bunyangabu shooter Irene Birungi admitted they were overwhelmed from the start.
“We made some early mistakes. Mwenge South was sharp and quick—they scored 14 times in just 13 minutes while we only had five. But we’ll go back and regroup,” she said.
Meanwhile, the football pitch delivered its own drama. Group C opened with a tense 0-0 draw between Mwenge South (Kyenjojo District) and Bunyangabu County, but the lack of goals didn’t mean a lack of action.
The game’s biggest talking point came in the first half when Bunyangabu captain and goalkeeper Kyomuhendo Hamuza was sent off for handling the ball outside the box. Coach Fred Arinaitwe had to react fast, sacrificing winger Frank Mabiro for reserve keeper Goffrey Birungi.
Birungi rose to the occasion, keeping Mwenge South at bay with a string of crucial saves. He denied key efforts from Isaac Musunga and Mirembe, helping his side hold on with 10 men.
Musunga’s all-round display, though, still earned him the MTN Kabode Phone as Man of the Match. Christine from Mwenge South picked up the netball award.
The draw leaves both counties on one point, with Mwenge North yet to enter the fray. Their campaign begins July 13 at Kibiito SS Playground against Bunyangabu.
Next weekend promises more fireworks, with Kibale County set to host Fort Portal City at Rwamwanja SS Grounds in Kamwenge.
MTN Uganda has also raised the tournament stakes with a boosted prize package. The football champions will now walk away with UGX 12 million (up from 7.5 million), while runners-up earn UGX 6 million. Third and fourth place will take home UGX 4 million and UGX 3 million respectively.
On the netball side, winners will pocket UGX 5 million, followed by UGX 2.5 million, 1.5 million, and 1 million for the other top finishers.
