As part of its corporate strategy to support youth talent and skills development in the Bunyoro community, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Uganda Limited has launched the Kingfisher Bunyoro Youth Football Engagement initiative.
In collaboration with the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, the tournament will take place throughout December 2024.
The team selection process was conducted in partnership with the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, which played a key role in identifying and selecting youth teams from the 15 counties across eight districts of Kikuube, Hoima, Masindi, Buliisa, Kiryandongo, Kakumiro, Kibaale, and Kagadi that comprise the Kingdom.
The tournament which was launched on Tuesday, 10th December 2024 at Boma playgrounds in Hoima City will feature 25 preliminary matches, followed by 3 final matches, bringing the total to 28 exciting games.
Through this initiative, CNOOC Uganda Limited manning the Kingfisher oil field in Kikuube district, western Uganda, aims to foster collaboration and community engagement, reinforcing the idea that sports do more than entertain-they help build futures, encourage dialogue, and drive sustainable development.
“CNOOC is proud to lead this initiative. We firmly believe that such partnerships not only strengthen community ties but also lay the groundwork for the long-term progress of the oil and gas industry,” said a press statement from CNOOC.
Andrew Byakutuga, Prime Minister of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, emphasised the importance of the support, stating, “CNOOC’s continued investment in initiatives like this is invaluable. It’s not just about sports; it’s about preparing our youth for future opportunities in the oil and gas sector and beyond.”
Since 2012, CNOOC Uganda Limited has been actively engaged in various corporate social responsibility projects in education, health, sports, and disaster response.
These initiatives reflect the company’s holistic approach to community investment, focusing not only on addressing immediate needs but also contributing to the long-term socio-economic development of the region.
Under the theme “Building Partnerships through Sports for Sustainable Development,” this initiative aims to mobilise communities, harness youth talent and strengthen bonds within the Bunyoro region
The partnership between CNOOC and the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom further highlights the strong collaboration between CNOOC and the Bunyoro sub-region, which hosts the Kingfisher Project.
At the launch event, Mr. Ma Peixin, Vice President of CNOOC Uganda Limited, emphasised the power of sports as a unifying force, bringing together diverse members of the Bunyoro community.
“Through sports, we are not just playing games, we are building futures, fostering dialogue, and showcasing how collaboration can lead to sustainable development. CNOOC is proud to spearhead this initiative. We firmly believe that building partnerships through such meaningful activities not only strengthens community ties but also lays a strong foundation for long-term progress of the Oil and Gas industry.”
