By KT Reporter
The Alur Kingdom, in partnership with MTN Uganda, on Sunday officially launched the 8th edition of the Ubimo Cup in Paidha Town, Zombo District, with a focus on cementing inter-chiefdom peace and sensitizing communities on teenage pregnancies and early marriages. The Ubimo Cup and annual bicycle races are organized by the Alur Kingdom together with MTN as part of activities leading to the coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty Phillips Olarker Rauni III, celebrated every October.
This year’s edition was curtain-raised with a heated football match between the Alur of Uganda and their counterparts from DR Congo, which ended 1–0 in favor of the DR Congo side. The lone goal, scored in the 78th minute by Yewa Shafic, separated the two teams. He was awarded Shs 500,000 and a trophy, while the Ugandan side received Shs 250,000 as runners-up.
Vincent Ochaya, the Executive Director of Alur Kingdom, announced that the 8th edition will kick off at the chiefdom level next Wednesday, with each county expected to field four clubs. “The 8th edition of Ubimo Cup will be played under the theme promoting positive parenting to end teenage pregnancies and early child marriages, with sports used as an avenue to sensitize the youths on the challenges they face,” Ochaya said.
He noted that teenage pregnancies and child marriages remain a serious concern in the Alur Kingdom, particularly in Zombo, Nebbi, and Pakwach districts. Statistics show Zombo leading with 21 percent as of 2024, Nebbi at 13 percent, and Pakwach trailing at 9 percent, thanks to stronger partnerships with the district local government.
“We are seeing the number of girls getting married at a teenage age scaling down in the kingdom because clan leaders have taken the fight against child marriages to the community,” Ochaya added. MTN Uganda’s Regional Manager, Phillips Odoi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting initiatives that transform communities through sports.
“Sporting activities bring more youths together, and that’s why leaders can pass valid information which are a game-changer to transform the positive well-being of communities. That is the reason Ubimo Cup is sponsored annually by MTN to transform the lives of youths,” Odoi said.
The official opening of the Ubimo Cup will take place on September 24, 2025, at Bar Okoro, with Okoro chiefdom producing four teams to compete. On September 26, Jonam chiefdom will host matches at Alwi Seed Playground, followed by Padyere chiefdom on September 27 at Agwok Primary School Playground.
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