The second edition of the MTN-Busoga Masaza Cycling Competition was officially launched at the Busoga Kingdom Headquarters in Bugembe, Jinja City, with His Majesty, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, as the chief guest and a participant in the cycling event. The competition, aimed at inspiring men and boys to take the lead in the fight against teenage pregnancies, carries the theme “Men Are the Pillars.” This partnership between MTN Uganda and Busoga Kingdom seeks to highlight the role of men in addressing societal challenges and promoting community development.
Launching the second edition of the MTN-Busoga Masaza Cycling Competition at the Busoga Kingdom Headquarters in Bugembe, Jinja City
— Kyabazinga of Busoga (@KingNadiopeIV) January 11, 2025
Busoga Kingdom with @mtnug Uganda are inspiring men and boys to lead the fight against teenage pregnancies under the theme: Men Are the Pillars. pic.twitter.com/7tRQL3oBL5
The launch event, which was attended by a number of key figures from Busoga Kingdom, included Busoga Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, alongside his 2nd Deputy, Al-haji Osman Ahmed Noor. Also present were the Kingdom’s Minister of Sports, Owek. Amin Bbosa, Kyabazinga Affairs Minister, Owek. Yudaya Babirye, Youth Minister, Owek. James Mukembo, and Busoga Kingdom’s Spokesperson and in-charge of protocol, Owek. Andrew Ntange. From MTN Uganda, Sponsorship and Events Manager, John Paul Okwi, and Deputy Sports Minister, Owek. Musota Daniel, were also in attendance.
Busoga Kingdom’s Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muvawala who was accompanied by his 2nd deputy Al-haji Osman Ahmed Noor addressed media about the competitions.
— Kyabazinga of Busoga (@KingNadiopeIV) January 13, 2025
They were flanked by Busoga Kingdom’s Minister of Sports Owek. Amin Bbosa, Kyabazinga Affairs Minister Owek. Yudaya Babirye,… pic.twitter.com/o9kLtwgbeW
Dr. Muvawala expressed gratitude to MTN Uganda for their ongoing partnership with Busoga Kingdom, praising them as a key development partner. He emphasized the importance of MTN’s involvement in supporting initiatives like the MTN-Busoga Masaza Cycling Competition, which not only boosts sports but also encourages positive change within the community.
“This competition is not just about cycling; it’s about promoting the idea that men and boys are critical pillars in fighting teenage pregnancies and improving the wellbeing of our society,” Dr. Muvawala said.
He also called on MTN to continue its sponsorship and collaboration with Busoga Kingdom and ObwaKyabazinga Bwa Busoga (OBB) for future initiatives aimed at advancing the region’s social and economic development.
Busoga Kingdom’s sports Minister Owek. Amin Bbosa revealed that preliminary races to select cyclists that will represent each of the eleven chiefdoms of Busoga namely; Butembe, Bugabula BB, Bunha, Luuka, Bukooli, Bulamogi, Busiki, Bunhole Bunhanhumba, Bukono, Kigulu and Bugweri,… pic.twitter.com/uaKDx0W9DZ
— Kyabazinga of Busoga (@KingNadiopeIV) January 13, 2025
Al-haji Osman Ahmed Noor, 2nd Deputy Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom, took the opportunity to express his appreciation to MTN Uganda for its continued support to the Kingdom’s development activities. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts in addressing the pressing issue of teenage pregnancies and the Kingdom’s commitment to these causes.
Owek. Amin Bbosa, the Kingdom’s Sports Minister, revealed that preliminary races to select the cyclists who will represent each of Busoga’s eleven chiefdoms—Butembe, Bugabula BB, Bunha, Luuka, Bukooli, Bulamogi, Busiki, Bunhole Bunhanhumba, Bukono, Kigulu, and Bugweri—will take place from January 18th to February 2nd, 2025. These races will determine the best cyclists who will compete in the grand competition, which is set to encourage sportsmanship and community engagement.
The MTN-Busoga Masaza Cycling Competition, first launched in 2022, is a symbol of Busoga Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a healthier, more vibrant society through sports and education. The competition also serves as a platform for raising awareness on critical issues such as teenage pregnancies, with men being urged to play an active role in tackling these challenges.
As preparations for the competition continue, the hope is that it will inspire positive change in the region and serve as a model for other communities to engage men and boys in the fight against teenage pregnancies and other social issues.