The Buliisa Football Mini-League 2023 has resumed after a 3-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 and Ebola outbreaks.
The League which is sponsored by TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEPU) a firm managing Tilenga Oil Project, is being conducted in partnership with the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) and the Buliisa District Football Association (DFA).
The mini-league kicked off on Saturday-April 29, and has attracted 96 football teams, 26 of which are women teams for the first time in history.
“Diversity is very important for TotalEnergies and women inclusion in this mini league demonstrating our commitment to boost gender empowerment in our area of operation,” said Caroline Namyalo, the Corporate Affairs Manager for the French originated oil firm.
She said all the games will take place in Buliisa district under the supervision of professional FUFA-accredited referees and in accordance with FUFA rules and regulations.
The matches will be held at four different school playgrounds to include Uganda Martyrs, Avogera, Biiso, and Booma.
To provide a conducive environment for the competition, the oil firm has facilitated the refurbishment of the aforesaid playgrounds.
Speaking on behalf of the General Manager TotalEnergies EP Uganda, at the League’s kick-off ceremony held at Biiso Primary School Grounds, Damien BALOSSIER said, “We organise the League to promote sportsmanship, talent search, and development in the Company’s areas of operation, and this aligns with the Company’s commitment to youth inclusion and engagement with the host community,”
He added, “Social events like the Buliisa Football Mini-League evoke a spirit of unity and conviviality among communities and are in line with the third UN Sustainable Development Goal: Good Health and Well-being.”
Bugoigo team captain receives sports items.
Godfrey Muhumuza, the district sports officer, told reporters that the tournament which will climax on May 20, bridges a gap his department would incurred in procuring items such as first aid kits, jerseys, footballs and facilitating referees given the measly budget of sh20m they got towards sports development for the whole fiscal year.
“The tournament will help us engage the youth physically and mentally, develop women football and sensitise the youth on dangers of HIV/AIDS and drug addiction or abuse,” Muhumuza added.
Namyalo said the winning teams will be awarded with sh4m, first runner-up sh2m and second runner-up sh1m respectively.
The oil firm are also sponsors of Nwoya Mini-League and is looking forward to boosting Bugoigo and Leopard FC who are eager to compete in bigger leagues.