Mubende: Over Thirty Four teams in zones that makes up Mubende Catholic Parish are set to battle out for over Four Millions Uganda shillings and other gifts in the inaugural 7 zones Centenary Ultimate Cup tournament following a successful launch of the grand finale of preparations on Monday Afternoon.
The Nine-Months football extravaganza will take place from January 31st 2025, to September 2025, with finals at St Mary’s playground Mubende and will mark a pivotal moment in the Parish’s celebrations of the 100 years of existence, aiming to promote community engagement and nurture budding talent within the sport.
The finals are a culmination of a grueling contest that is to take place over the nine months across six zones in sub parishes of Mubende Catholic parish and will aim to determine who has what it takes to lift the trophy.
The launch was graced by Parish Priest The Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Mwerikande who challenged sub-parishes to play their role in ensuring that they help develop young talents to higher levels, not just on the pitch but also guiding them off the pitch.
He however emphasized that the tournament has to live up to its expectations.
“The idea of the tournament was conceived with the players in different localities, in mind to try and keep them occupied with a motive to keep them off bad societal vices and I believe we will do that to the best of our ability.” Reverand Emmanuel said.
Father Mwerikande added that these games should experience a high level of discipline as in line with the Catholic norms and values.
“The Teams have a task to do to help and guide the players on what they need to do and what they need to avoid. Developing a player’s good manner is a collective effort and that needs to start at this grassroots level.” Mwerikande added.
The Mubende District Woman representative, Hon. Hope Grania Nakazibwe donated 34 foot balls to the teams and urge that football tournaments are good for the community as are the footsteps for world stars.
‘We believe by putting football in these sub-parishes we can get players who may develop into future national stars, referees who may go and officiate at the highest levels like the Masaza Cup and above, very good coaches and of course fans because these games going to be played in villages and teams will be supported by their colleagues.” Grania said.
Emmanuel Ssentongo from the organizing committee appealed to those that have accepted to take part in the tournament to avoid dirty games because village football matches are characterized by violence.
“Upon accepting the invite and consequently agreeing to participate in the tournament, the selected teams will be expected to comply with the tournament rules, ensure discipline and compliance of their players, involve the old people in the activities of the competition, provide players to be trained and those appointed as coaches, referees or media officers, prepare and avail your pitches in accordance with the laws of the game”. Ssentongo quotined.
He adds that Most importantly teams will be expected to prepare the pitches were matches will be played, organize and present their teams to play.
On the other hand, Matovu Julius Muwulize in charge of the managing committee of the tournament says that the selected committee from the Parish will do the over all planning, supervision, management and execution of all operations of the centenary tournament.
Our lady of Fatima catholic Parish Mubende will be celebrating 100 years of existence in september 2025. Some of generic activities enticing it’s celebration are environmental conservation through the rallying call for “Green Spaces” by growing trees within the environs and it has been played.
So far, over 1,600 trees have been planted with a focus on pushing the number further.
Others include Education, sporting activities i.e Football and netball tournaments plus other sporting activities.
Event Details:
Event Name: Our Lady Of Fatima Centenary Football Tournament.
Date: January – September 2025
34 sub parish to participate under 7 zones.
Under zonal level they are to play under gala basis, to get 16 teams for the next level which will be played on home and away basis, then to the quarter final, also played under home and away basis then semifinals which will be played on the same day with finals in September.
