By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
LUWERO
Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has emerged victorious in the Interparty Tournament, securing a narrow 1–0 win against the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in a thrilling final.
On Friday, six political parties—UPC, FDC, NRM, Jeema, PPP, and DP—alongside youth entities such as the National Youth Council (NYC) and the Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA), gathered at Kossovo Playground in Luweero for the Football for Peace Tournament. This event marked the conclusion of the regional youth dialogue on peaceful electoral participation.
The tournament was part of the Multiparty Youth Forum (MYF), an initiative aimed at fostering tolerance and coexistence among Uganda’s political parties while advocating for peace ahead of the 2025/26 elections.
UPC’s victory was sealed by a decisive goal from Sudais Mutale, wearing shirt number 4. UPC had earlier defeated the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in the semi-finals, while FDC overcame the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Both teams advanced to the final after winning their respective semi-final matches via penalty shootouts. A total of eight teams, including representatives from the six parliamentary political parties and two youth dialogue platforms, UNSA and NYC, participated in the tournament.
The final match was filled with tension, drama, and excitement as MYF Chairperson Lynette Nanyonjo handed over the championship trophy to the UPC team.
Speaking shortly after the victory, Dan Ssimbwa, the national youth leader of UPC, commended all participants and emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful electoral participation.
“We are very happy for this tournament, which we have had here in Luweero, but the most important thing is to maintain peace as we approach the 2026 general elections,” Ssimbwa stated.
Additionally, UPC’s Head of Media and Communication, Muzeyi Faizo, encouraged teams that did not win to remain hopeful and strive for better results in future tournaments.
“Next time, those who didn’t win today should keep trying. I believe they will do better in the next edition,” Faizo remarked.
David Mugarra, the Country Director of the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), congratulated UPC and all tournament participants. He underscored the need for young people to uphold the discipline and unity displayed during the event as the nation prepares for the 2026 general elections.
During the regional youth dialogue held on Thursday, Mugarra highlighted concerns about the political landscape in Uganda, noting that intolerance, hatred, and division, particularly among young people, have often led to violence and loss of life.
“As we approach the electoral period, I urge the youth to be agents of peace and coexistence,” he said.
The Football for Peace Tournament not only showcased talent but also reinforced the significance of political tolerance and unity among Uganda’s young leaders.
PICTORIAL
