Katikkiro (right) and Hon. Robert Ssalongo at the sports awards ceremony
The Buganda Kingdom has honored the top-performing athletes of 2024 for their contribution to the development of sports and raising awareness about its value in Buganda.
While addressing the gathering, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga urged parents to support their children's talents while ensuring they do not drop out of school.
The ceremony took place at Bulange, Mengo, on Tuesday, where the award recipients were presented with certificates of recognition.
Katikkiro Mayiga calls on parents to support their children
Katikkiro Mayiga emphasized the crucial role of parents in nurturing their children's talents. He encouraged them to allow their children to develop their skills while maintaining a balance with education.
"Sports play an important role in Buganda as it brings people together, creates employment opportunities, and fosters unity and happiness among participants. However, sports alone cannot fully transform the lives of young people without proper education. An educated athlete stands out from one who has not received formal education," Katikkiro Mayiga explained.
Sports have helped strengthen Buganda
The Prime Minister further highlighted that sports have significantly contributed to the restoration and strengthening of the Buganda Kingdom.
The Katikkiro (right) poses with the awarded sportsmen in a joint photo
He expressed appreciation to all those involved in promoting sports, including organizers, players, referees, sponsors, journalists, and leaders.
Minister of sports speaks on the initiative
The Buganda Kingdom’s Minister of Sports, Owek. Robert Serwanga, stated that this initiative is the first of its kind in the kingdom.
He reaffirmed that recognizing and rewarding excellence is a tradition in Buganda, and this effort aims to motivate more people to engage in sports, create job opportunities, and foster unity among Kabaka’s subjects.
The award recipients included top-performing athletes of 2024, selected by journalists. Also recognized were sports organizers of various events such as the Masaza Cup, Clan Competitions, Omweso, Enkuyo, Wrestling, Boat Racing, and others.
Additionally, journalists, sports ethics committees, venue owners, and Masaza teams that successfully organized different sports activities were acknowledged.
Distinguished guests attended the event
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Minister Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, various county chiefs, institutional heads, athletes, and other distinguished guests.
Buganda Kingdom calls for more talent development
Katikkiro Mayiga commended the young athletes for their efforts and urged parents to continue supporting their children's talents without compromising their education.
He emphasized that education plays a vital role in shaping a successful future for young people.