Nyombi urges Kampala Club to embrace innovation as Chairman’s Cup concludes

The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Nyombi Thembo, has called on members of Kampala Club to embrace innovation and use sports as a key attraction for the younger generation.

Speaking at the annual Kampala Club Chairman’s Cup on Saturday, Thembo, who served as chief guest and presided over the awarding ceremony, said the younger generation should not be left out as they are the future of the country.

He noted that the club holds immense opportunities beyond entertainment, emphasising that its wide range of sporting disciplines can help nurture talent to national level.

“This is the 116th edition of the Chairman’s Cup. We should honour the men and women who started it in 1901 when the railway had only reached Kisumu and only half of the world had seen electricity. We must ensure it lives beyond our generation—not just as a drinking place, but as a hub for friendship, entrepreneurship and family building through sport,” Thembo said.

Winnie Nwagi entertains members of Kampala Club. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

The two-week tournament attracted more than 100 members competing across 11 disciplines.

Thembo, who joined the club at the age of 32, called for modernisation to secure its future.

“We need to revamp it so that it can serve for the next 125 years for our great-grandchildren to enjoy the privilege. Members must support management financially to achieve this. As UCC, we shall continue supporting the club with sh30m annually and also help improve the digital environment,” he added.

Club chairman Dr. David Kamukama urged members to involve their children in sports and eventually transition them into full membership. He commended the record turnout of competitors and appreciated sponsors including UCC, Absa Bank, Centenary Bank, Old Mutual, Trends, and the chairman himself.

Kamukama explained that the event, which dates back to 1911, has evolved from a purely social gathering into a highly competitive sporting gala among the club’s 600 members drawn from government and the private sector. It traditionally marks the climax of the chairman’s leadership term, promoting fitness, sportsmanship and social interaction.

“Due to the increasing number of participants, we have extended the competition from one week to two weeks to ensure a conclusive tournament,” he noted.

Participants competed across various age categories in table tennis, badminton, swimming, squash, darts, chess, lawn tennis, scrabble, and brisk walking, alongside new additions such as CrossFit and Wagah boxing.

Tournament director Simon Mugabi praised the strong turnout in the new disciplines.

Innocent Barigye and Olga Mulangira emerged winners in the men’s and women’s below-40 categories, respectively. Samuel Kalyesubula and Joan Akidi triumphed in the 50+ category, while Henry Rwankwenge and Jane Guwenda won in the below-60 bracket. In the above-60 category, Jooga Sebukulu and Ann Male were victorious.

All winners and runners-up were awarded trophies, followed by a dinner and dance party headlined by musician Winnie Nwagi.