By Okanokodi EMar P’Tekamoi/Guest Writer
Nwoya District-Black Tiger Wilacic FC and Anaka Town Academy FC have been crowned champions of the 2026 Nwoya Football Mini League after emerging winners in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively, bringing the tournament to a celebratory close at Anaka Primary School in Anaka Town Council, Nwoya District, on Saturday.
The competition, sponsored by Total Energies EP Uganda in partnership with the Nwoya Football Association and the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), attracted 24 clubs, including eight women’s teams, in a tournament aimed at promoting football, nurturing local talent and encouraging youth participation in sports.
Black Tiger Wilacic FC claimed the boys’ title with a 2–0 victory over Eagle Soccer FC, while Anaka Town Academy FC secured the girls’ championship after edging Eagle Queens by 4–2.
The champions in both categories received cash prizes of four million shillings each, alongside trophies, certificates and individual awards, while the runners-up walked away with two million shillings each.
Speaking at the tournament’s conclusion, Opio Collins, Total Energies EP Uganda’s manager for Corporate Social Responsibility, said the company’s involvement reflected its commitment to community development, youth empowerment, education, talent development and social inclusion.
Collins said sporting initiatives such as the Nwoya Football Mini League provide an avenue for nurturing young talent, promoting healthy competition and strengthening relationships among communities in the areas where the company operates.
He added that through programmes of this nature, Total Energies seeks to create shared value within communities hosting the Tilenga Project by supporting social cohesion and contributing to socioeconomic development.
The Tilenga oil development project, operated by Total Energies EP Uganda in partnership with the Uganda National Oil Company and CNOOC Uganda, is located in the Lake Albert region, particularly in Nwoya and Buliisa districts.
Pinky Manuela, 19, and Aber Dauphine, 18, celebrated their team’s triumph and thanked their parents for supporting their sporting ambitions and attending their matches in person.
Dauphine said participation in sports had helped her remain focused and avoid risky choices that could have affected her future, including the risk of teenage pregnancy.
She urged parents not to discourage their daughters from pursuing football, saying girls should be given the opportunity to develop their talents and follow their ambitions.
Manuela, meanwhile, expressed her ambition to pursue football professionally, viewing the tournament as an important step towards achieving her dream.
Their experiences highlighted the role sports can play in building confidence, discipline and a sense of purpose among young people, while creating opportunities for girls to participate in activities traditionally dominated by boys.
Nwoya District LCV Chairperson Okello Patrick Oryema commended Total Energies for supporting activities within the communities where it operates and called on the company to continue investing in sports development across the district.
Oryema pledged the district’s support in encouraging young people to participate in sports and develop their talents.
He also challenged Total Energies EP Uganda to consider deliberate support for the development of a competitive football team in Nwoya that could progress to play in higher national leagues.
The district chairperson said sustained investment in local football would give talented players a pathway to greater competition while strengthening the district’s sporting profile. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
