Celebrated Ugandan musician Eddy Kenzo has officially been unveiled as the brand ambassador for the 2026 Ankole Cup during a glamorous dinner held on Tuesday evening at Hotel Africana in Kampala.
The star-studded event marked the official launch of the fifth edition of the regional inter-district grassroots football tournament, which is set to run from June to August 2026.
Born Edrisa Musuza and hailing from Kazo District in the Ankole region, Kenzo was unveiled as the face of the tournament in recognition of his influence, regional roots, and ability to inspire young people across the country.
Speaking during the dinner, the Chairperson for Media and Mobilisation, Osborn Mushabe, explained why the organisers chose the award-winning musician for the role.
“Eddy Kenzo is from Ankole, Kazo District, Burunga Sub-county. He is one of us and a big brand. We believe he is the perfect person to champion this tournament and inspire young talent across the region,” Mushabe said.
Kenzo’s appointment was one of the major highlights of an evening that attracted Members of Parliament, football legends, corporate sponsors, cultural leaders, and sports stakeholders, all united in the drive to promote grassroots football and regional unity.
The organisers also used the occasion to reaffirm the tournament’s mission of identifying and nurturing football talent within the Ankole sub-region.
“The purpose of the tournament is to provide a clear platform for football players in the Ankole region to showcase their talent,” Mushabe added.
He noted that beyond football, the competition seeks to promote physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, social development, and emotional wellbeing among participants.
Hon. Mwine Mpaka further emphasized the tournament’s wider impact on communities and youth development.
“We want to create and maintain a strong link within communities in Ankole, build the careers and skills of local youth through football, promote sportsmanship, social development, and strengthen character among players,” Mpaka stated.
He also thanked sponsors for supporting the competition and urged every district to rally behind its team.
“I urge every district to support and rally behind their teams because this tournament belongs to all of us,” he said.
“Everything that exists must continue to exist for a purpose. This is the fifth edition of the Ankole Cup and I have full trust in the organisers,” Mpaka added.
The legislator also applauded the media for promoting sports while challenging journalists to pay more attention to local competitions.
“In many sectors, the media is never appreciated, yet they do a very good job. I urge you to promote local sports more. It is you journalists who must help our people appreciate themselves and support their own teams,” he noted.
The dinner also featured a fundraising drive that raised over UGX 20 million through the auctioning of portraits for president Yoweri Miseveni and deputy speaker Thomas Tayebwa. The funds will be channeled towards the successful organisation of the tournament.
In recognition of football excellence from the region, several players were honoured during the event, including NEC FC midfielder Paul Mucureezi for his contribution to Ankole football. Other players recognised included Marvin Oshaba of Maroons FC, Ivan Ahimbisibwe of KCCA FC, and Hillary Mukundane of Vipers SC.
The opening ceremony of the Ankole Cup 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, at the main stadium in Bushenyi District. The day will feature two curtain-raiser matches before hosts Bushenyi face Sheema in the headline fixture at 4:30 PM.
To maintain the tournament’s grassroots focus, participating districts will be required to include at least 20 locally-born players in their squads, while only five slots will be reserved for players from higher leagues.
A total of 13 districts will participate in this year’s edition, divided into four groups.
Group A consists of Bushenyi, Sheema, and Ntungamo. Group B features Kazo, Ibanda, and Kiruhura. Group C includes Isingiro, Rwampara, Mbarara City, and Kashari, while Group D comprises Buhweju, Rubirizi, and Mitooma.
Several Members of Parliament, including Adrine Katusiime, Jovrine Kaliisa, Lillian Ruteraho, Peter Agaba, Mercy Kanyesigye, and Dan Atwijukire Kimosho, also expressed confidence in their respective district teams ahead of the tournament.
