Bika Cup kicks off

By Norman Katende Ente v Nkima THE 22nd edition of the Bika bya Baganda football tournament kicks off today at Nakivubo with Ente hosting Nkima. The tournament started in 1957 though it was not held between 1953-54 and 1964-86 due to political disruptions in Buganda kingdom. The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, is expected to be the guest of honour at the function Also expected to attend is the Nabagereka with princess, Ssangalyambogo. This edition has attracted 35 of the 52 Buganda clans and has been boosted by donations from Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Kakira, Kobil, Katumwa sports center and Express strong man Godfrey Kirumira. “We expect it to be a success. Our main aim is to expose talent, promote unity and encourage competition,” said Buganda sports minister Jimmy Bakyayita Ssemugabi yesterday. Entrance fee will be Sh1000 for adults. Students in uniform will have a free entry. Engo will be defending the new shield they won last year. Lugave took the old one for keeps. Ente will have to fight hard to stay on course and lift their first trophy . They will however come up against the Nkima (champions thrice) side who are training at Lubiri under Coach Paul Ssali. Teams are also to register for netball, which will be played on rally basis. Past winners: 1950 Mbogo 1951 Ngabi 1952 Mamba 1953 Not held 1954 Not held 1955 Kkobe 1956 Mamba 1957 Nyonyi 1958 Ngeye 1959 Mamba 1960 Ffumbe 1961 Abalangira/Kkobe 1962 Nkima 1963 Nkima/Ngonge 1964 -1986 not held 1987 Mutima 1988 Lugave 1989 Mamba 1990 Lugave 1991 Ngeye 1992 Ngeye 1993 Nkima 1994 Mamba 1995 Mpindi 1996 Nyonyi 1997 Lugave 1998 Lugave 1999 Lugave 2000 Ngo 2001 ??? ends