By Editorial.
Nwoya district leaders and communities have lauded TotalEnergies Petroleum Uganda (TEPU) for its investment in local Sports and the promotion of talent within the district.
The giant French Oil Company introduced a competitive mini league nearly a decade ago, initially covering Purongo and Got Apwopo Sub-Counties as oil host areas.
However, following the constant push from the district sports office, in 2022, the league was extended to cover the entire district with eleven lower administrative units.
Young Elephants Academy of Purongo Sub County emerged the overall winners in the 2022 edition beating Wilacic Blacks Tiger 2-0 and losing the 2023 edition mouth-watering finals by 2-3 in a penalty shootout after the normal time ended in a 1-all draw.
With the extension of the Total Mini League to cover the entire district, the Young Elephants has so far emerged as the most successful club, reaping significant benefits in both financial and material resources.
Patrick Kilama, one of the Young Elephants coaches, shared. “We have received substantial support from TotalEnergies Uganda, totaling 26 million Uganda shillings, as winners and runners-up in the last two editions.”
Kilama explained that finance has been a huge engine in helping them qualify for the FUFA Big League season 2023/2024 upon finishing top of the regional league’s season of 2022/2023 and beating Kochi Urban FC of Yumbe district in the playoff final.
“Similarly, through our partnership with Total Energies, we have managed to enroll our coaching staff in football training to enhance their skills.”Mr. Kilama adds
Ben Okot, the local council three chairperson of Purongo Town Council, noted that the Total Energies support has been of tremendous stride across the various ranges.
“We saw that the competition has been a big driver in unifying several youths who meet and interact during the competition and cheer together.” Said Mr. Okot
Okot additionally mentioned that the assistance has also resulted in numerous schools obtaining costly goalposts, which were installed by the giant French oil company.
Audio File one: Okot Ben talking about the importance of Total Support to Community-Eng
Okot however urged TotalEnergies to engage in consultations with the grassroots, emphasizing the importance of collaborative decision-making for mutual benefits, and felt that at times the political leaders are left out during the process of the league.
Phillip Oryema, the acting Sports Officer in Nwoya district, described the partnership as unique and capable of addressing various sporting gaps.
“We shall not get tired but will continue to press the oil company to bend to our wishes and strive to promote football in the district to the extra mile,” said Mr. Oryema.
“When you see where we started in terms of the area of coverage, I think there is some credit that should be given, but we shall continue to ask for more.” He adds
On the other hand, Baguma Fred, the chairperson of the Nwoya district football association, expressed appreciation for the oil company, highlighting the opportunity it provided. According to him, it instilled a heightened sense of competitiveness among the players.
“You can easily tell the players are all eager to get the cash prize back home and other awards as they all play with all their hearts out,” said Mr. Baguma.
Furthermore, Baguma emphasized that the Total Energies Mini League provided the District Football Association (DFA) with a platform to educate local clubs about the rules of the game and convey other sports-related messages, addressing challenges related to mobilization.
“Without the TotalEnergies Mini League, the mobilization of clubs and the community would have been a disaster. The league serves as a crucial platform, attracting participants who are aware of the potential rewards. We utilize this opportunity to introduce them to the world of football and its associated benefits. This way, even when TotalEnergies is no longer involved, the community can continue to view football seriously as a viable source of livelihood,” Mr. Baguma elaborates.
TotalEnergies Promised to Support Nwoya DFA:
Baguma Fred the chairperson of the Nwoya District Football Association said TOTAL has been promising them that they would facilitate the training of District Football Association structures although the promise has not been fulfilled.
Audio File two: Baguma on total Promise–Eng
TotalEnegergies E&P Communications Engages The Elephant on the Development:
When approached on the telephone on matters regarding the claims, TOTAL Energy’s Public Relations and Public Affairs Coordinator, Christopher Ochowun, countered the assertion that the training of district football association members and referees had failed. He clarified that it is a collaborative initiative with the Federation of Uganda Football (FUFA).
“We are mandated to work with FUFA in this project and we are already in talks with FUFA in Kampala, the process is bureaucratic, it entails a lot of paperwork and once we are ready we shall implement it but the beneficiaries need to be patient”
Ochowun also responded to a statement made by Okot (LC3 Purongo town council) suggesting that politicians were excluded from the preparations for sporting events.
“Political leaders are not typically involved in sports activities, and this we do in compliance with FUFA and FIFA regulations.” Says Mr. Ochowun
He adds. “We have often been doing a consultation with the district sports officer who oversees the sports-related activities at the district level, and the officer is permanent unless when retiring unlike politicians”
Audio File three: Ochowun talking about Politicians’ Involvement in Sports.
Expansion plan for the Mini League:
Ochowun also, on the other hand, gave strong hope for the mini-leagues future expansion
“Currently, our primary emphasis is on promoting sports within our operational scope, encompassing Nwoya and Buliisa districts. However, it’s worth noting that we have engaged in conversations with the national football governing body -FUFA regarding the potential expansion of the Mini League football initiative to encompass all districts within the Albertine Graben region” Mr. Ochowun notes.
Ends.
