By Isaac Akugizibwe
FORT PORTAL, Uganda — Former students of Nyakasura School have converged in Fort Portal for a weekend of activities, including a grand homecoming and the Season 3 Grand Finale of the Nyakasura Alumni League, set for Saturday.
The events are part of efforts to lay the groundwork for the school’s 100th anniversary celebration, scheduled for March 2026.
“Having our Grand Finale fall on the same weekend when most alumni are returning to Nyakasura School is deeply symbolic,” said Joel Bbala, president of the Nyakasura Alumni League.
“It’s more than just a coincidence; it’s a powerful reminder of our shared roots and how far we’ve come as a family.”
Bbala said his committee has organized several activities beyond football, all aimed at creating a homecoming of purpose. Alumni are returning not only to celebrate sports but also to give back to the community and inspire current students.
“This weekend embodies everything the Nyakasura Alumni League stands for, unity, resilience, friendship and service,” he said.
“The league has grown beyond the football pitch into a social movement that connects alumni across generations, promotes healthy living and contributes to community welfare.”
Festivities officially begin Friday, Oct. 10, with a press conference at Le Reve, followed by a visit and donation to Tooro Babies Home under the alumni’s “Giving Back to the Community” initiative.
The Grand Finale on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Fort Portal Booma Grounds will feature a full day of events, including football finals, a chess tournament, and 3-on-3 basketball games. Community-centered services such as blood donation with the Fort Portal Blood Bank, National ID updates by NIRA, and tax consultancy by URA will also be offered.
“We’ll also have corporate showcases from Stanbic, KCB, DFCU, Housing Finance and Equity Bank, plus live entertainment from TAJ Band, among others,” Bbala said.
Organizers expect more than 1,000 attendees, including alumni, students, corporate partners and well-wishers from across the Tooro region.
“As president, this moment is incredibly humbling,” Bbala said. “Seeing the alumni movement grow from a few passionate individuals into a unifying force that now commands citywide attention gives me great pride. It proves that when Nyakasura people come together, we do it with heart and purpose,just as our motto says, ‘To Minister and Not to be Ministered Unto.’”
Tinapa Prepared to Make History
All eyes will be on Sports Club Tinapa, the league’s oldest cohort, as they face tough competition from inaugural champions Blast Furnace. Both teams must win their two remaining games Saturday to clinch the title,one of which is against each other. They will also face Engogo in their other fixture.
“We’re feeling great and the team is physically and mentally prepared for the challenge ahead,” said Tinapa captain Jimmy Kasoro Mahogany.
“We’ve had a tough league, but we’ve worked hard to get to this point. The boys are focused, confident and ready to give it their all.”
Kasoro praised Blast Furnace as “a formidable opponent,” noting their disciplined style and experienced players.
“Their defensive solidity has been a hallmark of their game. We’ll need to be at our best to break them down, but we’re up for the task,” he said.
‘We Are Bringing It Home’ — Deus
Blast Furnace captain Deus Katuramu expressed confidence that the 2023 champions will reclaim their crown this weekend.
“We’re feeling good about our chances,” he said. “Our squad is solid, and we’ve got a good mix of experience and youth. We’ll take it one game at a time, but we’re hungry for that win. We are bringing it home for Blast Furnace FC and our fans—God being our helper.”
Neutral fans are eagerly awaiting the showdown between Tinapa and Blast Furnace, which promises a thrilling finale.
“I see Tinapa lifting the trophy because I don’t see Blast Furnace winning all their games,” said fan Janet K. Abwooli.
Another fan added on social media, “We’d love to see a new champion, that’s why we’re rooting for the big boys.”
For many, Saturday’s Grand Finale represents more than the end of a season. It’s a celebration of Nyakasura’s heritage, unity and the enduring commitment of its alumni to build a stronger community through the values they learned at their alma mater.
