The highly anticipated FUFA Drum Tournament is set to resume its preliminary stage action on the weekend of February 22nd-23rd, promising an exhilarating celebration of Uganda’s rich cultural diversity through football. With six thrilling matches lined up, this year’s tournament is expected to further cement its reputation as a unique platform for showcasing talent while embracing cultural heritage.
Since its inception, the FUFA Drum has grown in stature, providing an avenue for teams from different provinces to represent their heritage proudly. The tournament, initiated under the tagline ‘Celebrating Our Ancestry,’ underscores FUFA’s commitment to promoting unity and cultural appreciation through football.
Key Fixtures and Qualification Battles The upcoming qualification round will witness six provinces competing for a place in the next stage, joining the already-qualified eight provinces: Teso, Busoga, Buganda, Lango, West Nile, Kigezi, Tooro, and Acholi.
The action kicks off on February 22nd with Bunyoro Province taking on Rwenzori Province at Kigaya Primary School in Hoima, while Kampala Province faces Bukedi Province at Yes Center in Nsambya, Kampala. The excitement continues on February 23rd, as Ankole Province clashes with Sebei Province at Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara. The fixture between Karamoja and Bugisu will be played when the preliminary stage moves to the 2nd leg.
Promoting Culture and Unity During a press conference held at FUFA House in Mengo, Rogers Byamukama, Chairman of the FUFA Drum Local Organizing Committee, emphasized the tournament’s significance in fostering unity and promoting local football talent.
“The FUFA Drum is a festival of culture and identity, bringing communities together through their shared passion for the beautiful game. We look forward to improving the football played on the pitch while expanding coverage beyond the 90 minutes to highlight the vibrant cultural moments unique to each province,” stated Byamukama.
Fans can expect enhanced media coverage, with FUFA TV set to showcase the cultural heritage of the competing provinces alongside the thrilling football action.
Defending Champions and Tournament Legacy Reigning champions Lango Province, who secured last year’s title by defeating Busoga Province in the final at MTN Omondi Stadium, are determined to defend their crown and assert their dominance in this prestigious competition.
Since its inception in 2018, the FUFA Drum has crowned four different winners: Buganda in the maiden edition in Arua, followed by Acholi, West Nile, and most recently, Lango. The tournament continues to grow in prominence, attracting support from major sponsors such as Nile Special, MTN Uganda, and Nivana.
Other FUFA Drum committee members in attendance at the press conference included Vice Chairman Lajani Livingstone, Hajati Aisha Nalule, and Tony Tumwesigye.
With the preliminary stage set to deliver high-stakes action and cultural festivities, fans across Uganda eagerly anticipate another chapter of the FUFA Drum Tournament, where football meets heritage in a celebration of unity and talent.
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