KAMPALA
The Mental Health Awareness Sports Gala will return for its second edition on September 13 at City High School, Kololo, with more than 20 teams expected to compete in a tournament aimed at promoting workplace wellness
The organizers, Gracy Minds Empowerment Initiative Uganda, says the tournament will feature football and tag of war competitions, with the winning team set to walk away with UGX 1 million, a trophy, and medals. The runners-up will receive UGX 500,000 and medals.
This is the second edition of the galla, and it’s designed to raise awareness on mental health, promote physical fitness, and provide wellness services including counseling, medical screenings, sickle cell testing, and blood donation facilitation, according to the organizers.
The initiative follows the success of the inaugural edition in August 2024 at Legends Rugby Grounds, where Kagwa League defeated Blossoms of Hope Foundation 3–2 in the final to claim the title and cash prize. The first gala also launched the 1K Campaign for Mental Health Awareness, a five-year drive aimed at raising resources and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues in Uganda.
Alex Ssekabembe, one of the directors of Gracy Minds Empowerment Initiative Uganda says this year’s edition has drawn teams from corporate organizations, media houses, community groups, and recovery support organizations.
These are divided into four competitive groups:
Group A: Uganda National Musicians Federation; Prudential Assurance Company Limited; UOX Elite FC; UUSOX
Group B: Good Friends FC; NTV; Butiki League; Fuutu Sojjas FC; NRG Radio
Group C: TPO Uganda; Focus on Recovery; SUMZ; Royal Army; LEM Mindfulness
Group D: Care First Recovery Home Uganda; RAC Bukoto; Gazaland UOX; Blossoms of Hope Foundation; Meddraphil Love Support Foundation
Organizers say the tournament will not only provide entertainment but also continue to push conversations on mental health in workplaces and communities.
“Sports bring people together, and this platform gives us an opportunity to tackle issues of mental health in a way that is inclusive and engaging,” said Mercy Gracy Omona, founder of Gracy Minds Empowerment Initiative Uganda.
Omona said registration for participating teams has been set at UGX 500,000, while a participation fee of UGX 250,000 applies. She commended TPO under the leadership of Grace Obalim, the MHPSS Advisor of TPO, Jibu Uganda, UNMF among other partners for supporting this initiative.
Teams and individuals interested in taking part can register through the following contacts: +256 757 654541 / +256 788 569557.
