L-R: Remmie Kisakye, Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga, Ali Balunywa and Owek. Henry Ssekabembe Kiberu during the official unveiling of Airtel

Overview:

The 3 months’ Buganda Kingdom Bika tournament will start on May 13th 2023 between Nkima and Ngabi Nsamba at Mutesa II Wankulukuku stadium.

Buganda Kingdom in partnership with Airtel Uganda announced a joint venture to develop Bika sports competitions in football and better.

Airtel committed self to support the 2023 BIKA Games which are aimed at boosting talent among the youth in Buganda Kingdom.

This was through an official announcement made at Bulange in Mengo, Kampala.

The annual BIKA Games is a grassroots tournament that draws together 56 clans, including the royal clan, the Abalangira, that make up the Buganda totems.

The tournament games shall be Football and Netball.  

Ali Balunywa, the Sales Director represented the Managing Director at Airtel Uganda; lauding the relationship between Buganda Kingdom and the company.

Our existing partnership with Buganda Kingdom, and now the BIKA sponsorship present yet another opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to Transforming Lives through sports. We are intentional in investing in grassroot sporting activities that provide an avenue for identifying and developing talent for prominent national tournaments like the Masaza Cup, Uganda Premier League among others.

Ali Balunywa, Sales Director – Airtel Uganda
Ali Balunywa, Sales Director Airtel Uganda

The Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga appreciated His Majesty King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II for promoting youth-led programs such as BIKA tournament, and agribusiness projects, as platforms for mobilizing the youth to meaningfully participate in the transformation of Buganda.

He particularly thanked the Ministry of Sports, Leisure and Recreation for leading the organization of the BIKA Sports tournament.

The 3 months’ tournament will start on May 13th 2023 between Nkima and Ngabi Nsamba at Mutesa II Wankulukuku stadium in Kabowa.

This is projected to attract over 1100 boys and 440 girls from 56 clans who will compete in football and netball games this year, with a fan base of more than 80,000 people who will witness the tournament.

We thank partners like Airtel Uganda for heeding our call of boosting sports activities in the Kingdom and coming on board as sponsors of the 2023 BIKA Games. The games play a significant role in both personal development and social cohesion among the youth. These tournaments are a good platform for us to mobilize the youth to participate in socioeconomic change programs that foster handwork, savings culture, and positive behaviour change.

Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, Katikiro of Buganda Kingdom

As part of their Transforming Lives agenda, Airtel has partnered with Insurance firms to extend affordable Micro Health Insurance cover to the informal sector.

For as low as UGX1000/- an Airtel Money customer can get health insurance cover. 

The tournament was skipped in the years 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged the entire world.

Ndiga is the reigning champion in football whilst Ngeye won the netball trophy.

BIKA All Winners since inception:

  • 1950:Mbogo
  • 1951:Ngabi Nsamba
  • 1952:Mmamba Gabunga
  • 1953: Not Held
  • 1954:Not Held
  • 1955:Kkobe
  • 1956:Mmamba Gabunga
  • 1957: Nyonyi Nyange
  • 1958: Ngeye
  • 1959: Mmamba Gabunga
  • 1960: Ffumbe
  • 1961: Bbalangira and Kkobe
  • 1962: Nkima
  • 1963: Not Held
  • 1964: Mmamba Gabunga
  • 1965: Mmamba Gabunga
  • 1987: Ngabi Nsamba
  • 1988: Lugave
  • 1989: Mmamba Gabunga
  • 1990: Lugave
  • 1991: Ngeye
  • 1992: Ngeye
  • 1993: Nkima
  • 1994: Mmamba Gabunga
  • 1995: Lugave
  • 1996: Mpindi
  • 1997: Nnyonyi
  • 1998: Lugave
  • 1999: Lugave
  • 2000: Mpologoma
  • 2001: Ngo
  • 2002: Mpologoma
  • 2003: Mmamba Gabunga
  • 2004:Lugave
  • 2005: Ffumbe
  • 2006: Mpindi
  • 2007: Ngabi Nsamba
  • 2008: Kkobe
  • 2009: Ffumbe
  • 2010: Nte
  • 2011: Mmamba Gabunga
  • 2012: Ngeye
  • 2013: Ngabi Nsamba
  • 2014: Mmamba Gabunga
  • 2015: Mbogo
  • 2016: Nte
  • 2017: Nte
  • 2018: Nkima
  • 2019: Mbogo
  • 2020: Not played (Due to COVID-19 pandemic)
  • 2021: Not played (Due to COVID-19 pandemic)
  • 2022: Ndiga

David Isabirye is a senior staff writer for Kawowo Sports where he covers most of the major events.

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