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David GOMBE
The organizers of the prestigious Ankole Cup have rewarded various personalities for their contributions towards the game of football in Ankole Region and at national level.
The winners were recognized at the Ankole Cup dinner that was held on Tuesday at Hotel Africana in Kampala.
Former Vipers and KCCA FC attacker Paul Mucureezi was named as the most outstanding Ankole Footballer since 2016.
Mucureezi whose home district is Ntungamo District featured for KCCA, Mbarara City, Vipers SC, Kitara FC and NEC FC in the Uganda Premier League.
Eng. Posiano Byarugaba (Mitooma District) was rewarded with the Business community award.
Byarugaba made a contribution of Shs40million to Mitooma during last year’s Ankole Cup.
Mr. Robert Kakogoso (Mbarara City) one of the leading businessmen in Ankole region was also recognized for his support towards football talents.
The first Lady Janet Museveni and Minister for Education and Sports was also rewarded for being among the most supportive Ministers towards the tournament. During the 2024 edition of the Ankole Cup, she contributed 26 million shs to her home district Ntungamo district to participate in that year’s event.
Lt. Col. Bright Rwamirama also recognized for funding last edition’s winners Isingiro district.
Maj. Gen Kahinda Otafiire of Mitooma district was also rewarded for being supportive towards Mitooma District football.
Hon Jeniva Arinaitwe Nalongo (Rubirizi) recognized for Single handedly funding the 2024 champions Rubirizi district.
Hon Mwijukye Francis was rewarded as one of the most supportive member of Parliament in Greater Bushenyi via Ankole Cup. He has funded Bushenyi who are the record Ankole Cup champions.
Hon Dan Atwijukire Kimosho ( Kazo County MP) also received the award for being the biggest contributor for his home district amongst Greater Mbarara MPs.
Hon Mwine Mpaka(Mbarara City) who is the first person from Ankole to own a football club in the Uganda Premier League was recognized for being supportive towards the game of football on the national level.
Eng. Brian Buhanda (Sheema) who is the Club President for Uganda Premier League side NEC FC was also appreciated for consistently giving a chance to Ankole homeboys to feature in Uganda’s top-flight.
He has also been Sheema district’s leading sponsor since 2022 in the Ankole Cup.
Rt. Hon Thomas Tayebwa (Mitooma) who was the Deputy Speaker in the 11th Parliament was awarded over the Sports Act which was passed during his tenure. The law is expected to streamline operations in the football industry.Tayebwa has also consistently supported Mitooma district.
Mr. Micheal Nimusiima (Mbarara City) got the foundation award for having initiated the idea of starting the Ankole Tournament.
The organisers are expected to give out more Awards at the climax of the fifth edition of the Ankole Cup due in Sheema in August 2026.