Rukanirwa Arinaitwe  Urges Parents to Support Children’s Involvement in Sports.

Rukungiri: Frank Arinaitwe Rukanirwa, the aspiring Member of Parliament for Rujumbura constituency, has called on parents to encourage their children to participate in sports to develop their talents.

He made this appeal on October 20, 2024 during an interview with our reporter at Bwambara playground in Bwambara sub-county, where the final matches of his organized football tournament in the Sub county took place. The tournament featured teams from Bwambara sub-county and Bikurungu Town Council.

In the Bikurungu Town Council category, Bikurungu South Boda Boda triumphed over Bikurungu North Boda Boda with a 3-1 victory. In the sub-county category, Bwambara and Rweshama faced off, ending in a 0-0 draw. Bwambara Boda Boda won 4-3 in penalties. Both finals were held at Bwambara playground.

Hon. Rukanirwa expressed concern that many parents prevent their children from exploring their talents, which hinders their development. He encouraged parents to reflect on the examples of renowned African footballers like André Onana, Didier Drogba, and Samuel Eto’o, stating that if their parents had restricted them, they wouldn’t have achieved their current success.

Rukanirwa also highlighted the positive impact of his tournament, noting that some players have already been signed by clubs from the FUFA Western Regional League and one from the FUFA Big League. Additionally, the local community has benefited economically, with vendors selling items like cassava, mandazi, popcorn, chapatis, sodas, and water.

Benon Kanyesigye, also known as “Political Integrity,” the head of sports for Hon. Rukanirwa’s tournament, explained that the tournament, known as the Rujumbura Constituency Boda Boda Tournament, began in June this year in Bugangari sub-county.

The sports committee agreed to organize inter-stage matches, with each sub-county, including Ruhinda, Buhunga, Nyakagyeme, Bugangari, and Bwambara, grouping their Boda Boda riders into four teams. Bikurungu and Rwerere Town Councils also presented two teams each. Each participating team received uniforms, a ball, and prize money based on their performance.

Kanyesigye further announced that group stage matches for both Group A and B will take place on December 7th and 8th. The winning teams will qualify for the finals scheduled for January 5th next year at Bugangari playground. The finals will also feature matches for legends and women as curtain-raisers, with the overall winner receiving a trophy and a cow valued at UGX 2.5 million.