By Sulaiman Kauki
FORT PORTAL CITY — Youth empowerment advocate Joshua Baguma has donated 60 footballs to support grassroots sports development and nurture young talent in Tooro Kingdom.
Baguma, the founder and chief executive of Just Believe Foundation, handed over 50 footballs to the Omukama of Tooro, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, who subsequently distributed them to county teams that participated in the 2026 Tooro Kingdom MTN Amasaza Cup.
Following the donation, Baguma accompanied the King to the tournament’s final before receiving an invitation to Karuziika Palace, where they held discussions on youth empowerment and talent development across the kingdom.
Baguma said the initiative reflects his commitment to identifying and supporting young people with sporting potential.
“I believe in youth empowerment, talent identification and sports development,” he said.
He also presented 10 footballs to Fort Portal City Mayor Rev. Kintu Muhanga, bringing the total number of balls donated to 60.
The contribution came as the 2026 Amasaza Cup concluded following an interruption caused by the death of former Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on August 27. The competition, which had reached the semi-final stage, resumed after the coronation of Nyabongo I on September 29.
In the final played on Saturday at Kichwamba Technical College playground, Burahya County defeated Mwenge South 3-0 in a penalty shootout after the teams had settled for a 1-1 draw in normal time. The victory earned Burahya its second championship title, following its 2024 success.
Burahya received Shs15 million in prize money, while runners-up Mwenge South took home Shs9 million. Fort Portal County secured third place after beating Kitagwenda 2-1 in the classification match.
In netball, Mwenge South emerged champions after defeating Kitagwenda, earning Shs7 million.
The tournament features teams from all nine counties of Tooro Kingdom, providing a competitive platform for young people to showcase their abilities and develop their sporting careers.
Addressing thousands of supporters who attended the final despite heavy rainfall, Omukama Nyabongo I revealed that discussions were underway with MTN, the tournament’s main sponsor, to strengthen its financial support and expand the competition to include additional sporting disciplines.
The King also encouraged young people to avoid drug abuse and cautioned girls against early pregnancies.
Beyond the football donation, Baguma said Just Believe Foundation is implementing sports infrastructure projects and other youth-focused initiatives in Tooro. He added that he was engaging business leaders to explore investment opportunities in the region.
Baguma co-founded the foundation with Ugandan musician Joshua Baraka. According to Baguma, the organisation has extended its programmes to Mbale, West Nile, Arua, Gulu and Mbarara, where it has supported communities through donations and payment of school fees for disadvantaged learners.
He also cited the foundation’s Just Believe Day outreach in Kawempe earlier this year, which reportedly reached approximately 2,500 families through relief support and skills development programmes.
Baguma said the foundation intends to expand its work in Tooro, using sports as a tool to identify talent, empower young people and create opportunities for the next generation.