KAMPALA – Speaker Anita Among on Wednesday flagged off Amus College – Bukedea girls’ football team ahead of Cecafa regional U15 – Caf qualifiers due in Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania.
Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa joined the speaker at Parliament as she pledged a $10,000 reward to the girls in case of a win.
“Now we are giving you $5, 000 to support the team. As you go for this championship, go with the determination to win. Make Amus College, Bukedea and Uganda proud. When you do that, you will become stars of this country,” said Among.
Deputy Speaker, Tayebwa assured the team of government’s support -saying the country prides in sports, with a focus on young talent.
“You are the best team and we hope you will emerge the best because Bukedea has always been the best,” said Tayebwa.
He also encouraged the learners to value their education, saying that young people usually abandon education after discovering their talents.
“We do not have to settle for less but rather for the best. Above all, you have to put in a lot of effort and excel academically and above all, be disciplined,” he said.
Amus College is one of the projects – which Kachumbala constituency representative -MP- Patrick Isiagi manages as his side business.
The girls’ team, together with the boys’ team from Royal Giant High School – Mityana will represent Uganda in African Schools’ championship in Tanzania from February 17 to 19 2023.
Sixteen schools from eight countries will be competing in the U15 Caf Schools’ Championship. Some of the other participating countries include Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan and Rwanda, among others.
The winners in Dar es Salaam will represent the Council for East African Central African Football Association – Cecafa region at the inaugural African Schools Football Championship slated April.
Besides winning a slot to represent the Cecafa Zone – the best teams will also smile away with $100,000, while the runners-up will take $75, 000 and bronze medallists $50, 000.
In a related development, the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among on Friday donated Ugx10m to the Uganda national women’s basketball team – The Gazelles. The team is participating in the Zone 5 Afro Basket Tournament – a qualification ticket for the African Championship slated for Kigali later in the year.
The Speaker made the donation as part of her commitment to ensure that The Gazelles excel in Sunday’s final game in Kampala.
She implored the girls to exercise discipline both on and off court – pleading with them to work hard and make Uganda proud.
“We are committed to making sure that you succeed in your endeavours. This is why Parliament is working to expedite the Sports Bill and ensure that you have adequate budget allocations. I urge you to work hard and be disciplined always,” she said.
