The King of Tooro, His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, has called on young people to take responsibility for their lives and avoid activities that could put them at risk. He made the remarks as the chief guest at the 2026 Tooro Kingdom MTN Masaza Cup final, held at Kichwamba Technical Institute grounds in Kabarole District. This was his first time attending the finals since his coronation, and his arrival drew excitement from the large crowd.
The Omukama emphasized the importance of young people taking charge of their future, cautioning young girls against getting into sexual relationships and becoming pregnant at an early age. He also urged parents to guide, educate, and discipline their children, instilling in them good behavior and the cultural values of Tooro Kingdom. His message aligned with this year's tournament theme of stopping the spread of HIV.
The tournament, sponsored by MTN Uganda, aimed to create awareness about stopping the spread of HIV across the Kingdom. This is part of the late Omukama Oyo's strategic plan vision 2040 for the kingdom, which prioritizes the health and wellbeing of the people of Tooro, especially young people. The Omukama expressed gratitude to MTN for its continued sponsorship, which has made the Masaza Cup a cornerstone of unity and youth development in the kingdom.
The final match between Burahya and Mwenge South was a dramatic one, ending goalless in the first half. Burahya broke the deadlock shortly after the restart, but Mwenge South equalized, and the match ended 1-1 after normal time. Burahya ultimately won the title in a penalty shootout, scoring three times while Mwenge South failed to convert any, securing a 3-0 win.
This victory marked Burahya's fifth title and their second in a row. As champions, they received UGX 15 million from MTN Uganda. In the netball final earlier that day, Mwenge South County edged Kitagwenda County 36-35. The current football standings have Burahya as the champion, followed by Mwenge South, Fort Portal City, and Kitagwenda.
The Omukama also appealed to sponsors to increase their support for sporting activities under the county competitions, extending beyond football and netball. He thanked the people of Tooro for their turnout and passionate support. MTN Uganda's sponsorship has been instrumental in making the Masaza Cup a success, and the company continues to back the fight against HIV.
In the third-place playoff, Fort Portal City beat Kitagwenda. The Omukama's message to the youth and parents resonated with the attendees, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and guidance in shaping the future of Tooro Kingdom. The event concluded with Burahya celebrating their title win, and the kingdom looking forward to continued youth development initiatives.
Key points
- The King of Tooro, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, urges youth to take responsibility for their lives and avoid risky activities.
- Burahya retains the Tooro Masaza Cup title, winning UGX 15 million from MTN Uganda.
- The tournament aimed to create awareness about stopping the spread of HIV across Tooro Kingdom.
