The 2025 UMEA Solidarity Games have officially commenced at Namagabi Secondary School in Kayunga District, with a grand opening ceremony officiated by Ntenjeru North constituency Member of Parliament, Hon. Amos Lugoloobi.
The event was attended by Umar Mitala, the assistant RDC of Kayunga District.
Hon. Lugoloobi expressed gratitude to the UMEA organizing committee for choosing Namagabi and Kayunga as the host, highlighting the significant socio-economic impact the games would have on the local community.
“Thank you for thinking about Kayunga. Such games bring a huge socio-economic impact, and the time of stay of the people in these Games will hugely boost our local economy,” he said.
The MP also emphasized the importance of preserving and creating playing fields for talent development, noting that sports contribute significantly to a country’s growth.
“Playing fields are important in promoting sports. Without them, you cannot promote and develop talents.
Sports is a great contributor to any country. Besides physical fitness, it helps generate income for people,” he added.
The official opening match between host school Namagabi SS and Aringa SS ended in a 2-2 stalemate, with Dairo Hassan and Muhammad Yaba scoring for Aringa and Wasswa Hassan Kitega converting from the penalty mark and scoring a dying-minute header for Namagabi.
Hajji Twahil Kiteezaala, chairman of the local organizing committee, reaffirmed the importance of the UMEA Solidarity Games, saying, “These games are aimed at promoting national unity and also prepare our teams for National championships on top of culminating Islamic values into our athletes.”
The tournament will continue tomorrow with group stage matches, followed by the round of 16 and quarterfinals on Sunday. The semifinals and final will take place on April 20th and 21st, respectively.
