Exactly 2 years, 2 months, and 27 days (a total of 822 days) have passed since the Umukuka III Cup 1st Edition finals were played on 7th January 2024 at Mbale City Stadium, yet teams are still demanding their unpaid prize money.
The football and netball tournament was organized by the Ministry of Sports in Inzu Ya Masaaba (now changed to Bukuuka Bwa Bugisu) led by former Sports Minister Allan Makweta to majorly popularize the newly gazetted Umukuka III, Jude Mike Mudoma, following long-standing power struggles with John Amram Wagabyalire.
Teams that finished in positions 1 to 4 in both football and netball have not received their prize money they were promised, despite Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma personally attending the finals and handing out trophies and medals.
In the finals, Bungokho Central beat Industrial City in netball, while Northern City Division defeated Bubulo East in football.
Derrick Marocho, also known as Baros, captain and team coordinator of football champions Mbale Northern City Division, expressed frustration over the delay:
“We are concerned that the prize money of 1 million shillings promised to the winners has not yet been paid. Our team worked hard and fulfilled all the requirements, and we respectfully request that the organizers provide clarity on when the payment will be made.
We believe in fairness and transparency, and we hope this matter can be resolved soon so that the spirit of the competition remains positive,” Marocho told Wabomba Sports.
BuKigai football team coordinator Wekoye Banuri said they are also still demanding their prize money after finishing 4th in the tournament, but everyone concerned remains tight-lipped.
“We finished in fourth position and were supposed to receive 500,000 shillings and a goat. Unfortunately, we only received the goat. My request to the cultural institution is to fulfill their pledge as communicated in the meeting. Players and fans have blamed the tournament organizers and Bukuuka for not fulfilling their pledge, which spoils the institution’s image,” Banuri told Wabomba Sports.
Musika Enock, the goalkeeper and assistant captain of the Budadiri West team that finished third in football, also said they are still demanding their money.
“As Budadiri West captain, we still demand our 500,000 shillings. It has now been years, and we are still waiting for our money,” Enock said.
Coach Mida of the Mbale Industrial City Division netball team said her team is still demanding 300,000 shillings after finishing second.
“We still demand the 300,000 shillings. We shall be grateful if we receive the money, and we wish the Umukuka good health,” Mida said.
When contacted for comment, Nelson Mukuwa, the current Minister of Sports under Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma, said:
“Yes, I captured that prize money in the ministry’s budget last week—5 million shillings to harmonize with the teams. I was told to include it because it is a pressing issue,” Mukuwa told Wabomba Sports.
When asked whether the money will actually be paid and when, he said he needed to consult further:
“Let me first consult the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister; then I will know when and get back to you.” He, however, had not responded by the time of filing this story.
It should be noted that since Mukuwa was appointed Minister of Sports, he has not organized any sports tournament.
Unlike other cultural institutions were sports and youth activities a a priority, he Bikuuka Inter-Clan Tournament, which produced many football talents, was last held in 2022 and hopes of the tournament returning soon are very minimal.
Story by: WabombaSports
Posts
0 Comments