At a press conference held on Monday at the Busoga Kingdom Headquarters in Jinja, Owek. Prof. Osman Noor Din Ahmed, the 2nd Deputy Premier of Busoga Kingdom, disclosed that “Kyabazinga’s 36th birthday celebrations are focused on revamping sports and culture in Busoga Kingdom.”
As the host, Owek. Osman began by acknowledging the presence of various dignitaries from within and outside the kingdom, including Owek. Yuday Babirye, the Minister for Kyabazinga Affairs; Owek. Amin Bbosa, the Minister for Sports; and Owek. Mukembo James, the Minister for Youth in the kingdom, among others.
Owek. Osman introduced the 36th Birthday Organizing Committee to the press, which included Busoga Kingdom ministers such as Owek. Daniel Musota, the Busoga State Minister for Sports, and Owek. Joan Machora Kitto, the Minister for Cooperation & Foreign Affairs. “I call for togetherness and unity among the kingdom cabinet, the Basoga nation, and the Birthday Organizing Committee as we work towards making the 36th Kyabazinga’s Birthday Celebrations memorable,” he added.
“The celebrations, set to be held in three phases, will start with a Royal Banquet on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Igenge Kyabazinga Royal Palace, which will be attended by a select group of invited guests, as specified by the Birthday Organizing Committee,” Owek. Osman stated.
Owek. Osman also noted that “On Sunday, December 15, 2024, the Kyabazinga will share a meal with the entire Basoga community at the Busoga Kingdom Headquarters in Bugembe from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. After the meal, attendees will head to Bugembe Kyabazinga Stadium for the 7th edition of the Busoga Masaza Cup Finals and a friendly match between Busoga United FC and Uganda Cranes.”
Owek. Amin Bbosa, the Minister for Sports in the Kingdom, shared that on November 8, 2024, the kingdom’s Ministry of Sports will hold two Masaza Cup quarter-finals: Budiope FC vs. Bukono FC, and Bugabula FC vs. Busiki FC. The following day, on November 9, Kigulu FC will face Buzaaya FC, while Butembe FC will compete against Bunha FC.
“Then, on November 23, 2024, the two winning clubs will advance to the semi-finals, with the losers’ match scheduled for November 30, 2024,” Owek. Bbosa explained.
On December 15, 2024, at Kyabazinga Bugembe Stadium, Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV, will officiate the Busoga Masaza Cup Finals. Through Owek. Prof. Osman, His Royal Highness invited all Basoga and non-Basoga to join him in celebrating his 36th birthday.
“On that day, the Busoga Sports Ministry will officially unveil Busoga United FC to the Kyabazinga, who will be its new patron. This will be followed by a friendly match against Uganda Cranes FC at Bugembe Stadium after the Busoga Masaza Cup Finals,” Owek. Bbosa added.
He credited FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo for raising the Busoga flag high by allowing the country’s official football club to participate in a friendly match with Busoga United FC during the Kyabazinga’s Official Birthday Celebrations.
Minister Bbosa also noted that there will be an entry fee to watch the games in person. Those using MTN MoMo will pay UGX 2,000, while those paying at the entrance will pay UGX 5,000. He encouraged everyone to use MTN MoMo to support MTN Uganda, the official sponsor of the 7th edition of the Busoga Masaza Cup.
Owek. Yuday Babirye, Minister for Kyabazinga Affairs, expressed gratitude to the media for their continuous efforts to promote the Busoga Kingdom’s image globally. He also called upon the Basoga Nation and well-wishers to show up in large numbers on December 15, 2024, at Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe to show love to the Kyabazinga during his birthday celebrations.
Mr. Denis Harindimana, the Eastern Region Marketing Head of MTN Uganda, thanked the Busoga Kingdom for their strong cooperation and encouraged the public to support MTN by using MoMo to purchase tickets for the Busoga Masaza Cup Final.
In closing, Mr. Denis extended 36th birthday wishes from the MTN Uganda team to Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV of Busoga and promised continued support to the Kingdom as they grow together.
