EDITOR
Stakeholders in Rukungiri District have renewed their call to the district and municipal authorities to allocate a budget and renovate the Rukungiri Main Stadium, which remains in a dilapidated state. This appeal was made during the Boona Cup 2024 finals, which were held on Sunday and attracted thousands of attendees from within and beyond the district.
Retired General Henry Tumukunde, a former presidential candidate and the event’s chief guest, attributed the stadium’s poor state to a lack of collaboration between the district and municipal authorities. Speaking to the crowd, Gen. Tumukunde emphasized the need for joint efforts to restore the stadium and enhance its utility for the community.
In response, District Chairperson Geoffrey Kyomukama assured the public that the challenges surrounding the stadium would be addressed, promising action in the near future. Former Rubabo County legislator Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo also called on the people of Rukungiri to unite, stressing that community development is a shared responsibility that can only be achieved through solidarity.
Amos Buhe, chairperson of the Rukungiri District Football Association (DFA), expressed disappointment that the stadium’s poor condition recently disqualified it from hosting a Uganda Cranes match. He vowed that the DFA would continue advocating for its renovation until meaningful progress is made.
The Boona Cup 2024 finals concluded with Ruhinda Sub-county from Rujumbura County emerging as champions after defeating Eastern Division from Rukungiri Municipality. Ruhinda secured the trophy and a bull valued at UGX 2,000,000. Eastern Division was awarded UGX 1,000,000 as runners-up.
Earlier in the day, Ruhinda had advanced to the finals after defeating Southern Division 3–2 in a closely contested semifinal, while Eastern Division overcame Kebisoni Sub-county with a narrow 1–0 victory.
As a gesture of appreciation, all players from the finalist teams received mattresses, blankets, and bedsheets from Boona FM. Their coaches were also recognized for their efforts.
Boona FM Director, Mr. Wenceslas Maanige, highlighted the tournament’s purpose of nurturing local talent and giving back to the community. He revealed that the annual event was inaugurated last year, with Buyanja Town Council taking the first trophy.
Mr. Maanige extended gratitude to the sponsors of this year’s tournament, including corporate entities such as North Kigezi SACCO, Buyanja SACCO Limited, Kebisoni SACCO, Kalori Lwanga Hospital Nyakibale, Pepsi, and Moses Investments, as well as individual supporters.
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