FORT PORTAL CITY — Youth empowerment advocate Joshua Baguma has handed 50 footballs to the Omukama of Tooro, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, to help nurture young sporting talent across the kingdom.

Baguma, the founder and chief executive of Just Believe Foundation, said the King distributed the balls to the county teams that competed in the 2026 Tooro Kingdom MTN Amasaza Cup.

After the handover, Baguma escorted the King to the tournament final. The Omukama later invited him to Karuziika Palace, where, Baguma said, the two discussed talent development in the kingdom among other issues.

“I believe in youth empowerment, talent identification and sports development,” Baguma said.

He also donated 10 footballs to the Mayor of Fort Portal City, Rev Kintu Muhanga, bringing his total donation to 60 balls.

The donation came at the climax of an eventful season for the tournament. The competition had been suspended at the semi-final stage following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on August 27. It resumed after Nyabongo I was crowned on 29 September.

At Saturday’s final, played at Kichwamba Technical College playground before thousands of fans who braved heavy rain, Burahya County beat Mwenge South 3-0 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time. It was Burahya’s second title, after their 2024 triumph.

Burahya took home UGX 15 million, while Mwenge South received UGX 9 million as runners-up. Fort Portal County finished third after a 2-1 win over Kitagwenda in the third-place playoff. In the netball competition, Mwenge South beat Kitagwenda to win the title and UGX 7 million.

The tournament brings together teams from all nine counties of Tooro Kingdom and gives young players a platform to compete and showcase their talent.

Addressing the crowd, Omukama Nyabongo I said talks were ongoing with MTN, the tournament’s main sponsor, to sustain support for the competition and increase funding so that more sporting disciplines can be introduced.

The King also urged young people to shun drug abuse and warned girls against early pregnancies.

Baguma said Just Believe Foundation is carrying out sports infrastructure projects and other youth programmes in Tooro. He added that he is using his network to attract business people to invest in the region.

He co-founded the foundation with Ugandan musician Joshua Baraka. Baguma said the foundation has worked in Mbale, West Nile, Arua, Gulu and Mbarara, where it has donated items and paid school fees for learners. He said he recently toured with Baraka.

The foundation’s Just Believe Day outreach in Kawempe earlier this year reached up to 2,500 families. The event combined relief aid with skills training for young people.

Baguma said the foundation’s work in Tooro aims to help young people grow their talent through sport.