Kigwo becoming a favourite past time
Jul 04, 2009
IF you were not at Wampewo Playground in Kyadondo County last Sunday, you obviously missed watching one of the greatest traditional wrestling matches in the history of Uganda. It was a cocktail of intelligence, skill and talent that left the crowd crying
By Herbert Masaba
IF you were not at Wampewo Playground in Kyadondo County last Sunday, you obviously missed watching one of the greatest traditional wrestling matches in the history of Uganda. It was a cocktail of intelligence, skill and talent that left the crowd crying for more.
The ceremony began on a good note with curtain-raising bouts that were good to go. The Kyadondo boys know a good throw from a bad one and hardly disappointed. But the occasion was interrupted by a heavy downpour which lasted almost an hour, despite the efforts by one medicine man to ‘chase away’ the rain.
After the rain, the real competition was ushered in by the national and Buganda anthem. This was followed by the parading of the competitors who included Omulongo Waswa, David, Kigozi, Rajab Kyaka, Paul Lule, Jimmy Damulira, Lawrence Katongole, Abdullah Ziwa and Alex Senkubuge. These warmed up; stretching their muscles, with their minds fixed onto the bout as folks who had been drenched in the rain watched from afar.
Then came the matches. Match after match, the wrestlers had all it took to skillfully throw down opponents. With veins protruding, backs bent and arms interlocked, the Kyadondo boys entertained as well as educated their supporters on the kigwo game. However, one wrestler, Rajab Kyaka, stood out from the boys. Like a true spirited warrior, he was agile, courageous and talented. He knew what he wanted and how to get it. It only took a few seconds for him to throw down an opponent.
After the pushing, waiting, panting and flexing, it was time for the final bout between Kyaka and a seemingly ageing Katongole. Despite his age, the latter fought on, struggling to deny his opponent the chance to throw him down. But Kyaka was unstoppable. With quickness and charm, he held tightly onto Katongole’s body, lifted him high in the air and with a heavy thud, Katongole fell to the ground, head first. It was a done deal as the judges approved his throw by declaring him winner. Ecstasy followed as he was carried shoulder high by emotional supporters.
All this was witnessed by Kaggo, the chief representative of the Kabaka in Kyadondo. In his speech, he urged Baganda youth to embrace this newfound love and practise it for fitness. He also warned them against smoking illicit drugs like marijuana which renders them unfit for this form of wrestling. “Marijuana instead brings violence to society,†he warned.
Each of the competitors received Samona products, Zain and Bukedde FM T-shirts. The runner-up, Katongole, got a prepaid payphone from Zain Uganda whereas Kyaka received a bicycle from Hakuna Matata chain sellers and Samona products.
Kyaka will have the chance to face 17 other competitors in the final bout to be held at Wankulukuku Stadium on August 16.
The game was sponsored by Bukedde newspaper, Zain Uganda, Hakuna Matata, Samona Beauty Products, NBS TV and Select Garments.
IF you were not at Wampewo Playground in Kyadondo County last Sunday, you obviously missed watching one of the greatest traditional wrestling matches in the history of Uganda. It was a cocktail of intelligence, skill and talent that left the crowd crying for more.
The ceremony began on a good note with curtain-raising bouts that were good to go. The Kyadondo boys know a good throw from a bad one and hardly disappointed. But the occasion was interrupted by a heavy downpour which lasted almost an hour, despite the efforts by one medicine man to ‘chase away’ the rain.
After the rain, the real competition was ushered in by the national and Buganda anthem. This was followed by the parading of the competitors who included Omulongo Waswa, David, Kigozi, Rajab Kyaka, Paul Lule, Jimmy Damulira, Lawrence Katongole, Abdullah Ziwa and Alex Senkubuge. These warmed up; stretching their muscles, with their minds fixed onto the bout as folks who had been drenched in the rain watched from afar.
Then came the matches. Match after match, the wrestlers had all it took to skillfully throw down opponents. With veins protruding, backs bent and arms interlocked, the Kyadondo boys entertained as well as educated their supporters on the kigwo game. However, one wrestler, Rajab Kyaka, stood out from the boys. Like a true spirited warrior, he was agile, courageous and talented. He knew what he wanted and how to get it. It only took a few seconds for him to throw down an opponent.
After the pushing, waiting, panting and flexing, it was time for the final bout between Kyaka and a seemingly ageing Katongole. Despite his age, the latter fought on, struggling to deny his opponent the chance to throw him down. But Kyaka was unstoppable. With quickness and charm, he held tightly onto Katongole’s body, lifted him high in the air and with a heavy thud, Katongole fell to the ground, head first. It was a done deal as the judges approved his throw by declaring him winner. Ecstasy followed as he was carried shoulder high by emotional supporters.
All this was witnessed by Kaggo, the chief representative of the Kabaka in Kyadondo. In his speech, he urged Baganda youth to embrace this newfound love and practise it for fitness. He also warned them against smoking illicit drugs like marijuana which renders them unfit for this form of wrestling. “Marijuana instead brings violence to society,†he warned.
Each of the competitors received Samona products, Zain and Bukedde FM T-shirts. The runner-up, Katongole, got a prepaid payphone from Zain Uganda whereas Kyaka received a bicycle from Hakuna Matata chain sellers and Samona products.
Kyaka will have the chance to face 17 other competitors in the final bout to be held at Wankulukuku Stadium on August 16.
The game was sponsored by Bukedde newspaper, Zain Uganda, Hakuna Matata, Samona Beauty Products, NBS TV and Select Garments.