By Our Reporter
Jonam County has emerged as the champion of the 2025 MTN–Kopu P’ubimu Football Cup after a tense 3–3 draw and penalty shootout victory over Padyere County at Bar Okoro Stadium in Zombo District over the weekend.
The eighth edition of the tournament, held under the theme “Positive Parenting to End Teenage Pregnancy and Early Child Marriages,” aimed to raise awareness among youth about the consequences of early marriage while promoting sports and cultural unity within the Alur Kingdom.
The high-stakes final saw Padyere, the sixth-edition champions, take an early lead before Jonam leveled the game in stoppage time. Striker Musema Shaban, Jonam’s top scorer with five goals in three matches, netted the equalizer that pushed the match into penalties. Jonam went on to claim the title for the second consecutive year, winning 3–2 in the shootout.
Jonam County walked away with Shs 4 million in prize money, while runners-up Padyere received Shs 2 million. Okoro County, which finished third, was awarded Shs 1 million.
The match also served as a curtain-raiser for activities marking the 15th coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty Phillip Olarker Rauni III, the King of Alur, which will be celebrated on December 31, 2025, at Kyambogo University Playground, Paidha Campus.
Speaking during the awards ceremony, King Olarker commended the youth for using sports to celebrate their culture and urged them to remain disciplined, hardworking, and respectful.
“The kingdom is a place where discipline and culture are learned through mutual respect. I urge you, the youth, to work hard and value wisdom from elders because laziness is a sign of defeat,” the monarch said.
Jonam’s captain, Cryspus Kiyonga, and top scorer Shaban Musema — both recipients of smartphone awards for their standout performances — called on the government to invest more in community sports to help nurture local talent.
The MTN–Kopu P’ubimu tournament continues to serve as one of the leading grassroots sporting initiatives in northern Uganda, fostering unity and cultural pride across the Alur Kingdom while promoting social causes through football.
