By Musa Kikuuno, Busoga Times Sports Writer II WhatsApp 0756322265
The Foundation of Persons Affected by Dwarfism in Uganda (FPAD) is proposing a historic initiative to host the first-ever sports tournament for persons affected by dwarfism or short stature, commonly referred to as little persons as per the Constitution of Uganda. This groundbreaking proposal aims to promote inclusivity and unity through sports in the Busoga region.
In an exclusive interview with Busoga Times sports expert Musa Kikuuno, Joel Kawanguzi, the Programs Officer of FPAD, detailed the vision for the tournament.
According to Kawanguzi, the proposed tournament would feature teams from all 11 chiefdoms of Busoga. Unlike the traditional Busoga Masaza Cup, there would be no splitting of larger chiefdoms to form additional teams.
The 11 teams would be divided into two groups, with one group comprising five teams and the other six. The top four teams from each group would advance to the quarterfinals, followed by semi-finals and a final to crown the champion.
Each team would consist of 20 participants—13 players and seven technical staff. Matches would have two halves of 15 minutes each, separated by a 15-minute halftime break. The organizers plan to align the tournament’s fixtures with the annual Busoga Masaza Cup, making it a curtain-raiser for the more established competition.
“We are excited about the possibility of playing alongside the Masaza Cup this year, 2025. This would not only provide visibility for our tournament but also strengthen our partnership with the Kingdom of Busoga,” said Kawanguzi.
He further emphasized their collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Kingdom of Busoga, Members of Parliament, FUFA President, Speaker of Parliament, and district leaders in the Busoga region, to ensure the proposal’s success.
Nakawunde Mariam, a member of FPAD, expressed her support for the proposed games. She highlighted the importance of involving women in sports and stated that they are ready to join men’s teams if necessary.
“This tournament would bring us together and help us bond as a community. It’s also an opportunity for us to engage in physical exercises, which is vital for our health, especially as many of us face challenges after childbirth due to a lack of adequate exercise,” she said.
Kawanguzi reiterated that sports provide a platform for friendship, unity, and physical fitness. He urged the Kingdom of Busoga to support their efforts wholeheartedly. When i jokingly asked about the tournament’s name, Kawanguzi revealed, “We plan to call it ‘Empaka dh’amasaza ga Busoga edh’abampi’—Busoga Masaza Cup Dwarfs Tournament, inspired by the renowned Busoga Masaza Cup.”
This proposal is not just about competition; it is a step towards inclusion and empowerment for persons with dwarfism in Uganda. The organizers hope that this tournament would foster a sense of community, celebrate diversity, and showcase the abilities of all participants. As the Busoga region evaluates this unique initiative, the anticipation is palpable.
