[Kampala, Uganda, July 2024] The Huawei ICT Innovations Cup Football Tournament 2024 concluded in spectacular fashion as MTN Uganda emerged victorious over Huawei Technologies Uganda Company Limited in a thrilling final held at Kampala International School Uganda football grounds on Saturday 20th July, 2024. The dramatic match ended with a score of two goals to one, highlighting the skill and determination of both teams.
The awarding ceremony that followed was a grand celebration of talent and sportsmanship. The Chief guest, Dr Aminah Zawedde, The Permanent Secretary Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and other distinguished guests including The Undersecretary Ministry of ICT and National Guidance Ms. Sophia Nantongo, Chief Marketing Officer MTN Uganda, Mr. Sen Somdev, Huawei Technologies Uganda Managing Director, Mr. Sunrise Xie, were present to honor the achievements of the teams and players. The coveted Huawei ICT Innovations Cup trophy was presented to MTN Uganda by the chief guest amid a shower of confetti and cheers from the crowd.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary Ministry of ICT and National Guidance graced the cheerful event. She congratulated MTN Uganda for the well-deserved win and extended her heartfelt gratitude to all the teams, players, coaches, and supporters who came together to make the tournament possible. She appreciated Huawei Technologies Uganda Co. Limited for organizing the football tournament which is in alignment with the efforts of the Government of Uganda to address the growing burden of lifestyle diseases. Dr Aminah also appreciated the opportunities presented for the technical officers in the ICT sector to meet in a different environment to network, exchange ideas and grow their connections. She closed by urging all members present to stay innovative. “Innovation knows no boundaries, so let’s innovate in the field sports just as Huawei has done by organizing this tournament and I hope it becomes an annual event” said Dr. Aminah
Mr. Sunrise Xie, Managing Director of Huawei Uganda office in his remarks at the awarding ceremony emphasized the importance of cocurricular activities for the stakeholders in the ICT industry. The tournament transcended the boundaries of a mere sports match; it was a vibrant platform for the ICT sector to forge connections, exchange insights, and foster collective growth. “Your passion and commitment have brought excitement and joy to all of us. Each match was a testament to your hard work, and each goal a highlight of your talent.” said Mr. Sunrise Xie. He thanked each team for being part of this extraordinary journey and appreciated them all for the exceptional performance and sportsmanship exhibited.
The players representative, Mr. Luyonde Henry from Airtel Uganda thanked Huawei Technologies Uganda for a well-organized tournament and the opportunity for Airtel Uganda to participate in such an activity. He congratulated his team for making it to the semifinals of the tournament and the spirited display of teamwork that brought Airtel Uganda thus far in the competitions. He went to add “We have seen fierce competition, but we have also seen players helping each other up, teams congratulating their opponents, and fans coming together in their love for the game.”
The tournament awarding ceremony kicked off with a thrilling game between Ministry of Health and Airtel Uganda to determine the 2nd runners up which set the spirit of competition. The game was marked by intense action and strategic play from both sides but in the end, victory belonged to Ministry of health after scoring three goals to one. MTN Uganda later took on Huawei Technologies Uganda Company Limited in an ambitious and action-packed game which ended MTN 2 – Huawei 1. Overall, it was a gripping match showcasing the skill and determination of both teams. The tournament was launched of 8th June, 2024 by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi and run over a couple of weekends till the final and awarding ceremony.
Huawei Technologies Uganda Co. Limited organized the first ever Huawei ICT Innovation Cup Football Tournament as a means of encouraging physical activity to combat desk-bound lifestyles by bringing together different enterprises from both the public and private sectors for a spirited display of team work and friendly competition on the football field. The tournament also aimed at fostering social networks and sportsmanship by bringing together Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Uganda Communications Commission, National Information Technology Authority-Uganda, MTN Uganda and Huawei Technologies Uganda Co. Ltd in group A. While group B consisted of Uganda Police Force, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Uganda Revenue Authority, Ministry of Health and Airtel Uganda.
Some of the other awards won included, Fighting Spirit Award-Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. Best Organizer Award-Uganda Revenue Authority, Fan’s Favorite Team-Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Most Entertaining Team-MTN Uganda, Future Star Award-Airtel Uganda, Corporate Pioneer Award-National Information Technology Authority – Uganda, Team Spirit Award-Uganda Communications Commission and the Community Involvement Award-Uganda Police Force. Most Valuable Player-Bruce Mushabe of MTN, Golden Boot Award-Jose of MTN, Golden Glove Award-Isaac Opiini of Huawei and the Best Coach Award-MTN Coach.
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