Mmamba Kakoboza Clan ended a 50-year wait for glory on Saturday after defeating Nkima Clan 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout to win the Airtel Buganda Bika football championship at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
The final had ended goalless after 90 minutes of regulation time, forcing the contest into penalties where Mmamba Kakoboza held their nerve to secure a historic victory.
Goalkeeper Mathias Kigoonya emerged as the standout performer of the shootout, saving two crucial penalties to swing the advantage in favour of his side. Although he later struck the crossbar with his own attempt, his earlier heroics proved decisive as Mmamba Kakoboza sealed a 4-3 win to lift their maiden title.
The champions walked away with shs9 million in prize money, while Nkima Clan, the runners-up, received shs7 million.
In the third-place playoff, Kkobe Clan edged Ngo Clan 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Samuel Kawuma, to secure bronze and shs3 million.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, congratulated all participating clans and praised the overall competitiveness of the tournament.
“I congratulate the winners today, Mmamba Kakoboza in football, and Ente in netball. I also congratulate every participant,” he said, noting the increasing standards and participation in the competition.
He encouraged clan leaders to prepare for the next edition, emphasizing the growing popularity of the tournament and expecting even larger crowds in future seasons.
“We believe that the crowds are going to turn up in big numbers because the quality is being raised every year, as people have witnessed today. I’m sure next year will be even better.”
Airtel Uganda, the tournament’s main sponsor, also commended the winners and the broader Buganda Kingdom for promoting grassroots sports development.
David Birungi, the company’s Public Relations Officer, praised Mmamba Kakoboza’s perseverance, noting that their long-awaited victory reflected strong commitment and competitive spirit.
He further highlighted the importance of the partnership with the Buganda Kingdom in using sports to empower communities.
In the semifinals, Nkima Clan defeated Ngo Clan 1-0, while Mmamba Kakoboza overcame Engo Clan by the same margin. Kkobe Clan later secured third place after another 1-0 win over Ngo Clan in the playoff.
Nelson Ssentatuka finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, while Mmamba Kakoboza’s Nicholas Kabonge was named Most Valuable Player.
In the netball final, Ente Clan narrowly defeated Mmamba Gabunga 48-47 to claim the title, with Mmamba Gabunga finishing as runners-up.
The Airtel Buganda Bika tournament continues to serve as a key grassroots sporting platform, promoting unity, cultural identity, and talent development among clans across Buganda and Uganda.
