Buyende, (UG):- In an unprecedented move, red-hot Budiope FC, currently topping the Nendha Group in the ongoing 7th edition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup, has started planting trees before tournament matches in an attempt to promote environmental conservation.
This was first witnessed before the kick-off of their game against Busiki County in Irundu Town Council last Sunday. Members of the executive committee and the players were joined by officials from Busiki to plant trees at Irundu Township Primary School.
The Kyabazinga of Busoga kingdom, His Royal Highness William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, told a congregation at his 10th coronation celebration in Bukungu Town Council in Buyende district to plant trees as a means of conserving the environment.
By planting trees before matches, Budiope FC is responding to the call made by the Kyabazinga, Fred Mbazira, a patron and former chairperson of Budiope FC noted. He explained that football which brings people together provides the right platform to preach the gospel of environmental conservation.
“This is a Kyabazinga tournament and it is prudent that we positively respond to his environment conservation call. We hope that when the fans see players planting trees, they will copy and go back to their homes to also plant trees. This is the kind of influence we want to see this tournament have on communities,” Mbazira said shortly after the tree-planting exercise.
Julius Mirimu, the Chief Executive Officer of Budiope FC revealed that the idea to plant trees was wholeheartedly welcomed by the players.
“We have camped in this community for long. We want to leave a mark when the tournament ends. These trees we have planted and the others we are going to plant should be an example that we need to conserve the environment,” he said.
The team captain, Samuel Etoo, was positive that their fans will copy what they did and plant more trees. “It would be good to see our supporters planting more trees in their backyards. Fruit trees are easy to get, and come with more value alongside environmental conservation. Fruit trees provide nutritious food,”
Andrew Kitimbo, the Budiope FC publicist, emphasized the importance of sports and the impact it has on communities. He explained that using Budiope FC to create awareness about the environmental challenges and the solutions available was timely.
“The people of Budiope have loved the work the team is doing on the field of play; they have supported the team and players on and off the field. It is therefore important that we use this intimate connection to touch the lives of our people through tree planting,” he said.
Budiope FC beat Busiki 1-0 to go top of the Nendha group. They play Bugweri, which defeated Bulamogi 6-0, on Sunday, 6th October in Irundu. Busiki will look to salvage the season by trying to beat Bulamogi in Namutumba on the same day.
Budiope with 10 points tops the Nendha group while Bugweri and Busiki with 9 and 7 points are second and third respectively. Bulamogi is languishing at the bottom of the table with 3 points.
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