By Masejele Sulaiman
Mbale City-based football academy, Mbale Tigers Academy, were on Monday, June 23, 2026 crowned champions of the Bugisu Zonal Playoffs after defeating Buginyanya Community FC from Bulambuli District 2-1 in an entertaining final played at Lwakhakha Grounds in Namisindwa District.
The victory secured Mbale Tigers’ promotion to the Bugisu Province League, marking a significant milestone in the academy’s journey of nurturing and developing young football talent in the region.
Forward Kiiza Geoffrey emerged as the hero of the day, scoring both goals for Mbale Tigers to seal a hard-fought win against a resilient Buginyanya Community FC side.
The Bugisu Zonal Playoffs brought together clubs from various District Football Associations (DFAs), including Mbale, Sironko, Namisindwa, Bulambuli, Bududa, and Manafwa. Although 22 teams had initially qualified to participate in the competition, only 12 teams managed to take part due to financial constraints that affected several clubs.
At the conclusion of the tournament, six teams earned promotion to the Bugisu Province League. The promoted sides are:
* Mbale Tigers Academy (Mbale DFA)
* Buginyanya Community FC (Bulambuli DFA)
* Kireka Young (Nakaloke-Mbale)
* Makunya Giants (Namisindwa DFA)
* WOB SS FC (Sironko DFA)
* Bunamutunyi Rangers (Manafwa DFA)
Speaking after lifting the trophy, Mbale Tigers Head Coach Washi Henry praised the commitment and sacrifice of the academy’s management, particularly Team Manager Jude Mututu, for investing resources into developing young footballers.
Coach Washi attributed the team’s success to discipline, teamwork, and the players’ belief in themselves throughout the tournament.
“The boys played according to our expectations and followed the preparations we had put in place.
The competition was not easy because every team wanted promotion, but we approached every match as if it was a final, and that mentality helped us emerge champions,” said Washi.
The coach further emphasized that the academy remains committed to its philosophy of talent development and intends to maintain the same squad as they prepare for life in the Bugisu Province League.
“As an academy, our vision remains unchanged. We are focused on nurturing talent and giving young players an opportunity to grow through competitive football. We hope to continue with these same players as we move to the Province League,” he added.
Team Manager Jude Mututu expressed delight with the achievement, noting that the triumph was a reward for the players’ hard work and dedication during a lengthy preparation period.
“The boys deserved this success because they have worked tirelessly for it. It feels good after a long period of preparation and sacrifice. Playing in the league is an important part of player development within the academy. Our ambition has always been to compete at higher levels, and promotion brings us closer to that goal,” Mututu said.
He added that the academy views competitive football as a crucial platform for exposing young talents and preparing them for greater opportunities in the future.
The championship victory not only highlights Mbale Tigers Academy’s growing reputation in youth football development but also signals their readiness to compete at a higher level as they prepare for the upcoming Bugisu Province League season.