By Richard Onapatum
Kotido, Uganda – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Liberation Day celebrations were marked with excitement and enthusiasm in Kotido and Kaabong districts, where friendly football matches were organized to commemorate the occasion.
The matches were organized by Akorio Ibrahim, CEO of both Muryagaz FC in Kotido and Caltex Kaabong. Ibrahim had initially planned to hold a larger tournament involving teams from across Karamoja region, but many teams failed to register, forcing him to scale down the event.
Undeterred, Ibrahim went ahead to organize two friendly matches. In Kotido, Muryagaz FC took on Lokomebu Town Council Select, while in Kaabong, Caltex faced off against a team of police officers.
The match in Kotido kicked off with both teams displaying impressive skills and teamwork. However, it was Lokomebu Town Council Select that emerged victorious, winning the match 3-2 against Muryagaz FC.
Chila Emmanuel scored the opening goal for Lokomebu FC in the 25th minute with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area. The ball sailed past the Muryagaz Select goalkeeper, giving lokomebu FC an early lead
However, Murya Gaz Fc fought back and in the second half Jamal executed a fantastic corner kick which entered past the Lokomebu FC goalkeeper in the early minutes of the second half.
Murya Gaz Fc equalized when the ball was delivered into the penalty area, and a thunderous short delivered past Lokomebu Town Council Select FC goalkeeper making it 2:2
In the added minutes, Kadama Dan scored a winning goal for Lokomebu Town Council with a beautiful volley from inside the penalty area. it was a magic shot in the added minutes as Lokomebu Ton Council Select held on to win the match 3-2.
In Kaabong, the match between Caltex and the police team was also a closely contested affair, with both teams displaying impressive skills and teamwork. the game ended 2:2
The football games in Kotido and Kaabong were part of the wider celebrations to mark the 39th anniversary of the NRM’s liberation of Uganda. The events were organized to promote unity, peace, and development in the region, and to commemorate the sacrifices made by the NRM’s founders and the countless Ugandans who fought for freedom and democracy.
Coach Oryem Ibrahim, who led Muryagaz FC in the match, praised the game’s fairness but noted that his team’s lack of training time and key players affected their performance. He thanked the organizing committee for their efforts and appealed to leaders to support more games to promote peace and development in the region.
Akorio Ibrahim, CEO of both Muryagaz FC and Caltex Kaabong, emphasized that the NRM’s liberation struggle was not just about overthrowing a dictatorial regime but also about building a better future for all Ugandans. He appealed to leaders to make personal contributions to support the party’s activities.
The games primary objectives, as outlined by Akorio Ibrahim, include promoting regional unity, strengthening community ties, promoting health and wellness, and enhancing youth engagement. The football games in Kotido and Kaabong were a testament to the NRM’s commitment to these objectives and its efforts to build a better future for all Ugandans.
As the country celebrates this momentous occasion, it is essential to reflect on the progress made so far and the challenges that still lie ahead. The NRM government has made significant strides in transforming Uganda into a prosperous and modern nation, and it is imperative that we continue to work together to consolidate our gains and address the challenges that still lie ahead.
The NRM’s liberation struggle was a testament to the power of unity, determination, and sacrifice. As we celebrate the 39th anniversary of the NRM’s liberation of Uganda, we must recommit ourselves to the values of patriotism, unity, and hard work that have brought us this far. We must continue to work together to build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our country.