Mwenge South Netball Storm Into Semis as Football Stalemate Opens Group C – MTN Kabode Tooro Amasaza Cup Heats Up
Sunday 22nd June 2025 – Katoosa, Kyenjojo. A dramatic day of action unfolded in Kyenjojo on Sunday as both the netball and football fixtures of the MTN Kabode Tooro Kingdom Amasaza Tournament lit up the vibrant Katoosa Playground.
In the netball category, Mwenge South delivered a commanding performance, securing back-to-back victories and sealing their place in the semi-finals of the inaugural edition of the netball competition. Their dominance was unmistakable, defeating Bunyangabu Isaza 56-24 before returning to overpower Mwenge North Isaza 55-26.
Their comprehensive wins were matched by a composed showing in their third fixture of the day as Bunyangabu edged Mwenge North 44-33, though it was Mwenge South’s qualification that stole the headlines.
Netball official Alfred Bagonza, speaking after the matches, praised MTN Uganda for supporting girls in sports:
“We are very happy that MTN is also developing the talents of our girls. In this first edition we are performing well—I believe my girls will storm the finals because their performance is good.”
Bunyangabu shooter Irene Birungi, whose team suffered a heavy defeat to Mwenge South, admitted they were outplayed early:
“As a team we made some few mistakes at the start. Mwenge South, which was at home, dominated us—and within 13 minutes they had 14 accurate shots while we had only five. Let’s go back and reorganize.”
In football, Group C kicked off with a tense but goalless draw between Mwenge South (Kyenjojo District) and Bunyangabu County, a match full of incident and tactical drama despite the lack of goals.
A pivotal moment came in the first half when Bunyangabu’s captain and goalkeeper Kyomuhendo Hamuza was shown a straight red card for handling the ball outside the area. Forced into a quick reshuffle, head coach Fred Arinaitwe replaced winger Frank Mabiro with substitute keeper Goffrey Birungi, whose heroics kept Bunyangabu alive in the game.
Birungi made several critical saves under pressure, denying attempts from Mwenge South’s Isaac Musunga, Mirembe, and other attacking threats. Musunga’s work rate and influence in midfield and attack earned him the MTN Kabode Phone as Man of the Match in the football category, while Christine from Mwenge South took the netball honour.
The result leaves both teams with a point apiece, with Mwenge North yet to play their opening match. Their debut will come on Sunday, July 13, when they visit Bunyangabu County at Kibiito SS Playground.
Looking ahead, attention now turns to next weekend’s fixtures as Kibale County hosts Fort Portal City at Rwamwanja SS Grounds in Kamwenge, in what promises to be another thrilling chapter in this year’s tournament.
Meanwhile, MTN Uganda has raised the stakes this year with a bumper prize pool:
- Football champions to receive UGX 12 million (up from 7.5 million)
- Runners-up to claim UGX 6 million, third place UGX 4 million, and fourth place UGX 3 million
- Netball winners will earn UGX 5 million, with prizes also set at UGX 2.5 million, 1.5 million, and 1 million for the remaining top four.
With passionate crowds, standout individual performances, and the energy of grassroots sports at its finest, the MTN Kabode Tooro Kingdom Amasaza Cup continues to unite and inspire across the region.