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David GOMBE
Mmamba Kakoboza etched its title into Buganda sporting historical past after clinching its first-ever Airtel BIKA Match title with a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Nkima Clan following a goalless draw within the ultimate at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
A capability crowd of Buganda Kingdom devoted witnessed an unforgettable finale that introduced the curtain down on some of the aggressive editions of the historic inter-clan event.
Each finalists navigated a difficult knockout path to achieve the grand stage. Nkima, champions in 2018, displayed outstanding resilience all through the event.
They secured a spot within the semi-finals after defeating Mutima Musagi 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw, with Ivan Junior Katumba and Sudaise Mutale discovering the again of the web. Within the semi-final, Nkima edged Ngo Clan 1-0 due to a decisive strike from Katumba.
Mmamba Kakoboza’s journey was equally dramatic. They progressed from the quarter-finals after an personal aim by Lineker Buyondo settled their tie in opposition to Kasimba. Within the semi-finals, Samuel Nsubuga’s solitary aim was sufficient to get rid of Kkobe 1-0 and ebook a spot within the championship match.
The event noticed clans battle by means of a number of elimination rounds earlier than the ultimate 16 groups have been grouped into 4 swimming pools, from which the quarter-finalists emerged. Each finalists secured their locations within the title showdown by means of slim semi-final victories, with Nkima overcoming Ngo and Mmamba Kakoboza defeating Kkobe by similar 1-0 scorelines.
The ultimate itself was a tense and tightly contested affair, with neither facet in a position to shake the web in 90 minutes. The match went into penalties, the place Mmamba Kakoboza goalkeeper Mathias Kigoonya saved two Nkima spot-kicks. Regardless of hanging the bar together with his personal penalty try, Kigoonya’s saves determined Mmamba Kakoboza 4-3 triumph to elevate the trophy that got here with Shs9 million money prize.
Nkima completed as runners-up and obtained Shs7 million. Within the third-place playoff, Kkobe defeated Ngo 1-0 courtesy of a Samuel Kawuma aim to safe bronze and a money prize of Shs3 million.
Particular person honors additionally highlighted the event’s excellent performers. Nelson Senkatuka of Mbogo Clan received the Golden Boot after scoring six targets, whereas Nicholas Kabonge of Mmamba Kakoboza was named the event’s Most Worthwhile Participant (MVP).
Within the netball competitors, Nte Clan emerged champions after defeating Mmamba within the ultimate.
Talking after the match, Airtel Uganda Head of Public Relations David Birungi congratulated the champions on ending a 50-year watch for the title and reaffirmed Airtel’s dedication to supporting the event.
“Congratulations to Mmamba Kakoboza Clan for the well-deserved victory. This yr’s BIKA Match has as soon as once more demonstrated the ability of sport to unite communities, have fun tradition, and nurture expertise. Airtel is proud to be a part of this unbelievable journey and to contribute to Buganda’s wealthy heritage by means of sports activities,” Birungi mentioned.
The Airtel BIKA Match, which introduced collectively greater than 52 clans, together with 40 soccer groups and 26 netball groups, has advanced right into a flagship cultural and sporting occasion that celebrates identification, heritage, and neighborhood engagement.
Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga recommended the sportsmanship displayed all through the event and inspired younger folks to embrace sports activities as a constructive path towards private improvement.
“The BIKA Match is a vessel of our heritage, unity, and self-discipline. I congratulate Mmamba Kakoboza Clan on their victory and applaud all of the collaborating clans for maintaining our traditions alive. I urge the youth to participate in sports activities and keep away from unfavourable habits comparable to drug abuse and idleness. They have to be intentional about constructing their future. Along with Airtel Uganda, we have fun not only a profitable crew, however a profitable tradition.”
The 2026 version featured clan groups competing in soccer, netball, chess, scrabble in Luganda, omweso, ludo, and different disciplines. The event kicked off on Could 2, 2026, at Wankulukuku, the place Mmamba Namakaka defeated Ngeye 1-0 within the opening match, setting the tone for a extremely aggressive month of clan sports activities.
The BIKA Sports activities Match has been a cornerstone of Buganda Kingdom tradition since 1950. Performed solely by Buganda’s clans, Uganda’s oldest soccer competitors was established to foster unity, promote expertise improvement, and supply leisure for the Kabaka’s topics.