FUTWA Synergize collaboration with Buganda Kingdom to boost Tug of War (Ensiitano yo Muguwa)sport Development.

Federation of Tug of War Associations (FUTWA) Synergize Collaboration with Buganda Kingdom to Boost Tug of war Sport Development. Bulange Mengo, Kampala – [30th January 2025] 

The President of the Federation of Tug of War Associations Uganda (FUTWA), Mr. Kintu Edmund, met with Owek Robert Sserwanga, Ministule y'Abavubuka;Emizannyo n'Ebitone (Ministry of Youth, Sports and the Arts) , for the Buganda Kingdom, today 30th January 2025 to discuss strategies for promoting Tug of War Sport ( Ensiitano yo Muguwa) through the kingdom’s established sports structures. The meeting, held at the Buganda Kingdom headquarters in Bulange Mengo, emphasized leveraging cultural institutions to revitalize the traditional sport and engage youth across the region.  

Katikiro of Buganda Kingdom Owek. Charles Peter Mayega with FUTWA officials during 2023 Buganda Kingdom staff games in Lubiri Mengo.

Central to the discussions was a proposal to integrate Tug of war sport into the Buganda Kingdom’s grassroots sports programs, schools, and community events including the Bika and Masaza. 

Kampala Parents primary school at the 2024 UGGA national Tug of War championship.

Mr Kintu Edmund highlighted the sport’s potential to foster teamwork, physical fitness, and cultural pride, while also positioning Uganda competitively on the international stage. He stressed the need for structured training for coaches and judges, as well as inter-village competitions to unearth talent.  

FUTWA communications Director Omulangira Juuko Joel get a hand check from the Katikiro of Buganda at the back is the FUTWA technical officer Mr Mpiiya Ibrahim and the Buganda Kingdom minister of Youth & sports at the 2024 kingdom corporate games.

Owek.Robert Sserwanga, reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to preserving indigenous sports and empowering youth. “Tug of war sport aligns with our heritage and offers a platform to keep young people active and disciplined. We will work closely with FUTWA to ensure this sport thrives within our communities,” he stated.

The minister also highlighted on the Kingdom's enthusiasm to collaborate with FUTWA to achieve a goal of incorporating Tug of war sport into the kingdom’s annual sports festivals and other cultural celebrations to broaden its visibility.  

Both parties agreed to continuously collaborate outlining future joint initiatives, including training workshops, equipment provision, and regional tournaments. The collaboration aims to utilize the Buganda Kingdom’s extensive network of Masaza, schools, and clans to popularize TUG of War sport ( Ensiitano yo Muguwa).

FUTWA President Mr Kintu Edmund during a Tug of War demonstration.

FUTWA President noted that the partnership could fast-track the Federation's national full recognition by the National council of sports which they have been work on for the last four years as required by the new sports law thus  Uganda’s readiness for international competitions, such as the Tug of War World Championships under the Tug of war international Federation ( TWIF) & African TUG of War champions. “With Buganda’s influence, we can build a strong foundation for this sport and nurture future champions,” he added.  

Nkuluze TUG of war team at the Buganda Kingdom corporate games 2023. 

The meeting concluded with plans to launch pilot programs, supported by the kingdom’s sports infrastructure. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the initiative will not only revive interest in tug of war but also strengthen communal bonds and promote healthy lifestyles among the people in Buganda Kingdom and Uganda at large.  

#TugOfWar #UgandaSports#FUTWA256 #BugandaKingdom #YouthDevelopment #CulturalHeritage  

Story by 

Adrian Grant 

Editor 

Sword sports agency international news

swordsportsagency@gmail.com