Pallisa, Uganda: Football fever gripped Pallisa Town on Monday afternoon as Pallisa County FC thrashed Gogonyo FC 3–0 in a high-energy curtain-raiser organized to mobilize residents ahead of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s campaign visit to the district this Wednesday.
The match, held at Pallisa Boma Grounds, was part of a series of youth-centred activities aimed at energizing support for the NRM presidential candidate ahead of his Kameke Primary School rally.
The event was spearheaded by Hon. Derrick Orone, the MP for Gogonyo County and NRM District Chairperson, who said the match served as a mobilization drive targeting the youth, who form the majority of the district’s population.
“This match is part of our mobilization to attract over 40,000 people to Kameke on Wednesday. The youth love football, and through sports, we can connect them to the message of prosperity that President Museveni will deliver,” Hon. Orone told DailyExpress.
He added that apart from football, other side activities such as sack races and eating competitions were organized, with Pallisa County emerging overall winners, while Gogonyo County took the crown in the sack race.
How the Match Unfolded
Pallisa County FC dominated from start to finish with a tactical 4–2–3 formation that overwhelmed Gogonyo’s midfield. The first-half hero was Moses Odongo alias Mane, who netted a brace before halftime.
According to Fazir Olupot, the team manager for Pallisa FC, the game plan relied on aerial attacks and wide play. “I saw Gogonyo crowding the midfield, so I told my boys to switch to aerial balls and use the wings. That strategy broke their defense and gave us the two goals before halftime,” Olupot explained.
Gogonyo FC’s head coach, Oscar Papakonyang, admitted defeat, saying his side lost control of the midfield despite fielding four players in that section. “We lost the midfield battle, but we’ll request a return leg in December after the presidential campaigns,” Papakonyang said.
Minister Balaam Urges Youth to Back Museveni
The activities were presided over by Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, who hailed the youth for turning up in large numbers and encouraged them to support President Museveni’s re-election bid.
“President Museveni is a parental leader who understands the challenges facing young people. He has the vision to lift the youth out of poverty through programs like the PDM, Emyooga, and Youth Livelihood Fund,” Minister Balaam said.
He urged the youth to shun idleness and instead engage in productive ventures that align with the government’s wealth creation agenda.
The day’s activities brought together leaders from across Pallisa, signaling a united front ahead of the November 13 presidential rally. Music, dance, and cultural performances punctuated the sporting excitement, creating a festive atmosphere that drew thousands to the venue.
With momentum building, organizers expect record attendance when President Museveni addresses the Pallisa rally at Kameke Primary School on Wednesday.
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