Pallisa, Uganda: TotalEnergies Pallisa emerged champions of the third edition of the Pallisa Corporate Gala after defeating Mbale Corporate Club in a tense penalty shootout at Busitema University Pallisa Campus playground on Saturday.
The victory sparked celebrations among TotalEnergies managers, customers, fans and players after the team overcame a strong field of 25 corporate and community teams to lift the title.
TotalEnergies booked their place in the final after eliminating defending champions Kumi Corporate Club in the semi-finals before edging Mbale Corporate Club 3-2 on penalties to secure the championship.
Team captain Esau Kifefe said the players are determined to maintain their momentum ahead of the national corporate games scheduled for August in Kitgum. “We have continued training and we want to maintain this performance when we go to Kitgum for the national competition,” Kifefe said.
TotalEnergies Pallisa Branch Manager Calvin Emutto attributed the victory to discipline, teamwork and consistency throughout the tournament.
“It is not easy to win a gala involving 25 determined teams. What led to our victory was that we remained unbeaten and only registered two draws from the preliminary stages to the final,” Emutto said.
He noted that the team’s determination and unity enabled them to overcome difficult moments and emerge victorious.
Pallisa Corporate Gala President Lazarus Okia said the tournament has grown beyond sport and is now making a meaningful contribution to community development.
According to Okia, proceeds and membership contributions from previous editions have supported health-related interventions at Pallisa General Hospital. “In the first edition in 2024, we were able to purchase tents to provide shelter for cancer patients who used to wait under trees at Pallisa General Hospital,” Okia said.
He added that in 2025, organisers procured two maternity beds to help address congestion and bed shortages at the facility. “Beyond fitness, entertainment and networking, this tournament is creating a positive impact in the community,” he noted.
Despite the success of the event, Pallisa District Local Government representative Moses Olupot expressed concern over limited financial support for the district team. He revealed that players struggled to raise even Shs200,000 required for registration and had hoped for greater backing from district authorities.
Aisu Pledges More Sports Support
Pallisa County MP Ibrahim Aisu, who officiated as chief guest, praised organisers for successfully hosting the tournament and donated Shs1 million to support future activities.
Aisu said the event had generated economic activity for local businesses, with food vendors and beverage sellers benefiting from the large crowds that attended. “The tournament has had a positive impact on the business community. People consumed food, water, soft drinks and other refreshments throughout the day,” he said.
The legislator, who described himself as a passionate football player, also announced plans to organise a sports tournament exclusively for Pallisa County. “I encourage teams to prepare because the finals of that competition will be held in January 2027,” he added.
Hon Aisu also commended teams from neighbouring districts including Busia, Mbale City, Bududa, Kumi, Butaleja, Tororo and Namutumba for participating in the rotational tournament.
The tournament attracted 25 teams from various institutions and organisations, including Pallisa General Hospital, DFCU Bank Pallisa, Busitema University, Baylor Uganda, Pallisa District Local Government, Busia Corporate Club, Kumi Corporate Club and Mbale Corporate Club.
The annual event continues to grow as one of the leading corporate sporting competitions in Eastern Uganda, combining sport, networking and community service.
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