Clare N
The Tooro Kingdom Amasaza fans were yesterday left in excitement after MTN Uganda announced a major boost in prize money for the 5th edition of Amasaza Football and 2nd Netball Tournament, more than doubling the reward for this year’s football champions.
Speaking at the tournament’s launch at Humura Church of Uganda Playground in Kyegegwa District, MTN Uganda representative John Paul Okwi announced that the winning football team will now walk away with 35 million shillings, up from 15 million, while the netball champions will receive 15 million shillings, up from 10 million.
Okwi added that every Player of the Match will earn 200,000 shillings, and MTN will host victory celebrations that will include bull roasting in the winning county to grow the tournament’s fan base.
The tournament
The tournament, part of activities leading to King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s coronation anniversary celebrations in September, was officially launched on Sunday by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, Owek. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki. The Nine participating counties include Kyaka, Mwenge North, Mwenge South, Bunyangabu, Ntoroko, Kibale, Kitagwenda, Burahya, and Fort Portal which will also compete for victory.
Owek.Rwomiire, conveyed greetings from King Oyo, who could not attend due to other engagements, and apologized for the delayed launch, which had been postponed due to the Ebola outbreak.
He described the tournament as a unifying event that strengthens people’s connection to the kingdom but also gives young people a platform to showcase their talent.He was particular that the King’s commitment to youth empowerment also extends to the donation of land for a stadium and the Tooro Youth Empowerment Project, which supports young people with coffee seedlings and chicks for self-employment.
Meanwhile In the curtain-raiser for the Masaza Shield, defending champions Kyaka County edged out runners-up Fort Portal County 5-4 on penalties after a goalless match.
Kyaka Isaza is set to host Bunyangabu Isaza on Friday at Humura play grounds in the same tournament.