Buhweju Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Nnamara Annet Oyes Byamukama has challenged the youth and the people of Buhweju to harness sports, talent, unity and networking as powerful tools for personal growth and community transformation.
Hon. Nnamara, who is Chairperson Gender Affairs at Buhweju Community Transformation Initiatives (BCTI), was speaking after a pulsating Independence Day friendly match between Buhweju County and Buhweju West Constituency on Friday, 9th October 2026 at Nsiika Playground.
In a fiercely contested derby watched by hundreds of cheering fans, Buhweju County edged Buhweju West Constituency 1-0 to lift the Independence Day trophy. The match lived up to its billing, full of flair, pace and passion, with both sides displaying the raw talent that defines grassroots football in Buhweju.
The winners received a cash prize of Shs500,000 from Hon. Nnamara, who was chief guest, while the runners-up also walked away with Shs300,000 from the chief guest in recognition of their effort. Each team additionally received Shs100,000 from Mitooma District Woman MP Hon. Rebecca Kyarampe, who had flanked Hon. Nnamara.
Hon Nnamara and Hon Rebecca with players of Buhweju County (Winners).
Leaders pose for a photo with referees.
In a special moment, BCTI players who represented Buhweju in this year’s Ankole Cup Tournament 2026 Edition were also rewarded by Hon. Nnamara for flying the district flag high. The players are Nyesigamukama Alex (Karungu), Mutabazi Cyrus (Karungu), Muhumuza Gilbert (Nsika), Ahereza Gilbert (Nsika) and Tumwekwatse Wilbroad (Nyakaziba).
Why sports matters beyond the 90 minutes:
Hon. Nnamara said the match was about more than football. It was a platform for building stronger families, stronger communities and a stronger Buhweju, anchored on four pillars that BCTI continues to champion: sports, talent, unity and networking.
On sports, she said regular competitions keep the youth physically fit, mentally sharp and away from vices like drug abuse and idleness. Sports instills discipline, teamwork and resilience, values that are critical in life, business and leadership.
On talent, she explained that Buhweju is blessed with gifted young people whose potential can take them far beyond the district. Through BCTI, talented youth are being identified, mentored, exposed and linked to bigger opportunities, including district, regional and national tournaments like the Ankole Cup. She said talent, if nurtured, can become employment.
On unity, she noted that football brings together people from different sub-counties, political shades and backgrounds. When youth play together, they learn to trust each other, support each other and work towards a common goal, the same spirit needed for development.
On networking, she said tournaments create connections. A single match connects players to coaches, leaders, sponsors, scouts and fellow youth from other areas. Those networks, she emphasized, open doors to scholarships, jobs, training, business partnerships and leadership opportunities that would never come if one stays isolated.
“BCTI is not just about football. We are building a generation that believes in itself, works together, and uses every God-given talent to transform our homes and our district,” Nnamara said.
She said her support to the youth is a direct response to President Yoweri Museveni’s call to leaders to invest in young people. “Let’s respond by supporting youth to grow their talents,” she said.
The colourful Independence Day celebration was organized by Western Patriotic NRM Cadres Association (WPNCA) Buhweju District Mobilizers, in conjunction with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Buhweju Chapter, Buhweju Community Transformation Initiatives (BCTI) and Buhweju Alliance for Women Empowerment (BAWE).
The event also marked 10 years of WPNCA and featured an endorsement of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces and Chairman of PLU, for the Presidency in 2031.
For sports lovers at Nsika, it was more than a 1-0 result. It was a statement that in Buhweju, football is becoming a classroom for life, leadership and livelihood, powered by BCTI and leaders who believe in the youth.
Story and Photos By: Bakashaba Godfrey.
