The Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) claimed victory in the third edition of the Elgon National Corporate Tournament 2024, held in Mbale City. The two-day event featured 59 corporate teams from 17 districts across Uganda, all vying for the top spot.
In an exhilarating final match, HRNJ-Uganda triumphed over Friends of Football with a 1-0 win, clinching the championship title. Their journey to the final was remarkable, including a notable victory over the reigning champions, the Mbale Media team, in the round of 32.
HRNJ-Uganda was awarded the winner’s trophy and gold medals, while Friends of Football received silver medals for their second-place finish. Mbale Corporate Club earned bronze medals for their third-place performance, and Tororo Elite finished in fourth place.
Several individual awards were also presented at the ceremony. Musa Dorka from HRNJ-Uganda was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP). Arthur and Siraje, scoring an impressive seven goals each, were honored as the top joint scorers.
The Civil Aviation Authority received the Fair Play Award, and Amiri Serugo from Friends of Football was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper. Charles Akena from Friends of Football was awarded the Best Defender title.
Former Uganda Cranes player Robert Sentongo presented the awards. Certificates of participation were given to all teams, ensuring the event was memorable for everyone involved. Congratulations to HRNJ-Uganda on their well-deserved victory!
The leaders of HRNJ-Uganda expressed their gratitude for the win.
“We are thrilled and honored to have emerged victorious in this year’s Elgon National Corporate Tournament. This win is a testament to our players’ hard work, dedication, and teamwork, and we are proud to have represented the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda in this competition. It’s part of moving away from our desks to reach out to those unique audiences that can only be found in sports disciplines, especially soccer,” said Robert Ssempala, the Executive Director and team’s patron.
Moses Magoola, the team coach and programs manager, added, “This win is not just about us as a team, but also about the values of human rights and freedom of expression that we represent. We are proud to have demonstrated that with teamwork, passion, and determination, we can achieve greatness and make a difference.”
He continued, “We are using sports as a tool to reach out to communities to sensitize them about the rights of journalists and press freedom, in addition to the traditional methods we have used over the years. Most importantly, the project includes youth participation, as they are crucial in spreading the message given that the majority of the boys and girls on the team belong to this important demographic.”
