By Mulengera Reporters
The Airtel Bika tournament continues to play a vital role in promoting grassroots sports, cultural heritage, unity, and socio-economic development across Buganda.
This year’s competition ended in historic fashion on Saturday as Mmamba Kakoboza defeated Nkima Clan 4-3 in a penalty shootout to win their first-ever Bika Byabaganda Shield at Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
The month-long Airtel Bika Cup 2026 brought together clans from across Buganda in a celebration of sport and culture, culminating in a tightly contested final that remained goalless after 90 minutes.
Mmamba Kakoboza, dressed in blue jerseys and shorts, dominated large stretches of the match and kept Nkima Clan, who featured in orange and black, on the back foot for much of the encounter. However, neither side could find a breakthrough, sending the final to penalties.
Goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya emerged as the match winner after saving two penalties during the shootout. Although he failed to convert his own kick, his heroics between the posts helped guide Mmamba Kakoboza to a memorable victory. Ezikiel Duncan Sseninde, Dissan Galiwango, Nicholas Kabonge and Samuel Nsubuga all converted their penalties as the champions secured a 4-3 triumph.
The victory marked the end of a 50-year wait for silverware, making it one of the most significant achievements in the clan’s history.
Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga congratulated the winners and praised the continued growth of the tournament.
“I congratulate the winners today, Mmamba Kakoboza in football, and Ente in netball. I congratulate every participant,” Mayiga said.
He noted that the competition has expanded significantly in recent years, with the introduction of disciplines such as chess, Scrabble and Omweso alongside traditional sporting events.
“This year’s tournament has been broad because many disciplines have been introduced, like chess, Scrabble and Omweso. I can see a sports bonanza for Bika games going forward,” he said.
Mayiga also urged clan leadership across Buganda to invest more in preparations ahead of future editions.
“I urge your leaderships in the different clans to prepare adequately for next year because it’s going to be massive,” he added, emphasizing the increasing competitiveness and quality of the tournament.
Airtel Uganda Public Relations Officer David Birungi hailed Mmamba Kakoboza’s historic triumph and reiterated the company’s commitment to developing grassroots sports.
“We are delighted to witness Mmamba Kakoboza’s victory after 50 years. To win at the last minute, decided by penalties, shows commitment and a competitive spirit,” Birungi said.
He highlighted Airtel Uganda’s continued investment in community sports through initiatives such as the Bika Cup and Masaza Cup.
“Airtel has been investing in grassroots sports, from Masaza Cup to Bika. It’s rewarding to see the impact these investments have on communities and the way people live,” he noted.
Birungi also described the victory as a landmark moment in one of Uganda’s oldest sporting competitions.
“Some may not know, but this is the oldest tournament in Uganda. To wait 50 years for victory is really big, and it demonstrates the dedication of the players and the clans,” he said.
Earlier in the competition, Nkima booked their place in the final after eliminating Ngo in the semifinals, while Mmamba Kakoboza overcame Kkobe. Kkobe later defeated Ngo 1-0 to finish third.
Nelson Ssentatuka finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.
In the netball competition, Ente Clan edged Mmamba Gabunga 49-48 in a thrilling final to claim the title and Shs7 million in prize money, while the runners-up received Shs4 million.
The 2026 Airtel Bika Cup once again underscored the power of sport in strengthening cultural identity, fostering unity among Buganda’s clans and creating opportunities for community development through healthy competition. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
