By Lubulwa Edrine
The ninth edition of the Aliguma Foundation Banda Slums Soccer Tournament will officially kick off in grand style at the UEFA Foundation for Children-facelifted Acholi Quarters Playground tomorrow, Sunday, November 24, 2024.
The season opener will feature a thrilling clash between three-time champions Luigi FC and Acholi Quarters Galacticos. Both teams will be eager to showcase attacking flair and resilience, but Luigi FC’s experience could prove decisive as the aim for victory to set the tone for their title defence.
The Aliguma Foundation Banda Slums Soccer Tournament continues to exemplify the transformative power of sports in uplifting communities while addressing critical societal challenges, and this season will not be any different.
This year’s tournament, running under the theme “Reuse, Recycle and Reduce,” seeks to inspire a committed fight against improper plastic and waste management through community efforts and sports.
The tournament, in years gone-by, was organized under the Sports for Resilience and Empowerment Project (SREP) – a platform for transforming vulnerable communities through sports, targeting children, caregivers, and other marginalized groups.
With an estimated 60 teams registered to take part this year, including women’s teams and children’s American football displays, the tournament continues to be a vibrant celebration of resilience and community.
Rita Aliguma, CEO of the Aliguma Foundation, emphasized the importance of sports as a tool for social change and environmental stewardship.
“This tournament is more than just football. It’s a platform to educate and inspire communities about proper plastic and waste management. Together, we can build a cleaner, safer environment for our children. The Environmental Defenders Project we launched last month is crucial because it also tackles hygiene and health issues in a systematic way,” she said.
Councillor L.C III Banda Ismail Mukoiko, the chief organizer and coordinator for sports at Aliguma Foundation, hailed the tournament’s role in empowering youth and fostering positive community values.
“This event has harnessed talent and kept children away from crime and other vices during the festive season. It’s a growing movement for good in Banda and beyond,” he noted.
Opening Matches
Match 1 – Sunday, November 24th
Acholi Quarters Galacticos vs. Luigi FC,
2pm, Acholi Quarters Playground
Rota of Champions
2024: Luigi FC
2023: NBA Shooting Stars
2022: Tigers FC
2021: Tigers FC
2020: Luigi FC
2019: Luigi FC
2018: Kiganda FC
2017: Kawenja FC
