By Reagan Musinguzi
Tooro Kingdom has revived its clan football tournament as part of efforts to strengthen unity and cultural identity among its people ahead of the upcoming Masaza games.
The announcement was made on Monday during a meeting of clan heads and representatives held at Mucwa Parliament Hall. The meeting was organized by the Office of the Prime Minister through the kingdom’s Clan Mobilization and Sports Ministry.
The Deputy Minister for Sports, Michael Wandera, said registration for teams officially opened on Monday and will run until March 27.
Wandera explained that the tournament will be officially launched on March 31 at the administration chamber in Mucwa, with matches expected to kick off on April 4.
Each participating clan will be required to register a squad of 25 players who will compete for the championship trophy and cash prizes.
According to Wandera, the winning team will receive three million shillings, while the runners-up will take home two million shillings. The third-placed team will be awarded one million shillings, while the fourth-placed team will receive 500,000 shillings. Medals will also be presented to the top four teams.
The Minister for Local Government and Clan Mobilization, Elasto Kasoro, said the tournament is intended to strengthen unity among clans and promote cultural identity within the kingdom.
Kasoro noted that clans remain a key pillar of the Tooro cultural structure and that such initiatives help reinforce cooperation and shared identity among members of the kingdom.
Representing the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Gender, Harriet Nyakake, said the tournament will also serve as a platform to prepare players for the Masaza games scheduled for May.
Nyakake cautioned clans against fielding ineligible players or engaging in impersonation, warning that such practices could undermine the integrity of the competition.
She added that nearly 80 clans are officially registered in the kingdom and are expected to take part in the tournament.