Mayiga urges men to join fight against HIV/AIDS at Bika sports launch

3 May 2026, 10:22 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Katikkiro of the Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called on men to take an active role in the fight against HIV/AIDS to protect the girl child.

Mayiga made the remarks yesterday while officiating at the opening of the Bika bya Buganda Sports Tournament 2026, held at Mutesa II Stadium in Lubaga South Division, Kampala.

He emphasized the need for increased male participation in health campaigns and also challenged clans with low turnout to mobilize their members and actively take part in the tournament.

This year’s tournament is being held under the theme: “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030.”

“I want to thank you for being part of the grand opening of the Bika bya Buganda Sports Tournament 2026. Some clans, like the Ngaali (Crane) clan, had only one representative. It does not mean they do not exist, they do, but they need to mobilize and participate,” Mayiga said.

He added that sports play a crucial role in uniting people, recalling that in the 1980s, such tournaments were instrumental in mobilizing communities, especially during the return of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II from exile.

Meanwhile, the Sales and Distribution Director at Airtel Uganda, Ali Balumya, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the Buganda Kingdom.

“Today, we are proud as Airtel Uganda to officially launch the Bika bya Buganda Sports Tournament. We have seen a strong turnout, especially in the women’s netball competition, which continues to grow,” Balumya said.

He encouraged participants to embrace discipline, professionalism, and sportsmanship, noting that the tournament represents the shared heritage of all clans.

“Let us continue growing this tournament into one of the biggest in the country, as it has been in the past. Airtel Uganda remains committed to supporting the Buganda Kingdom and sports development across Uganda,” he added.

In the same spirit, the Resident City Commissioner for Lubaga Division, Moses Ariho, assured the public of adequate security, especially during night matches.

On the pitch, the opening football matches saw the Ngeye clan defeat Mmamba Namakaka 1-0, with the goal scored by Kaye Peter of Black Power FC. In the main match, the Nte clan lost 3-1 to the Musu clan, who are aiming to win their first football shield.

In netball, results included: Nsenene 10–34 Ngo, Nkima 36–24 Musu, and Omutima Omuyanja 2–58 Ffumbe, among others. Nyonyi Nyange are the defending champions in netball, while Ngabi are the reigning men’s football champions.

The tournament continues today with several fixtures lined up. In football, Nyonyi Nyange will face Ndiisa, while Omutima Omuyanja takes on Nkima at different venues.

Participants have called upon more people to join and support the tournament.