Oyam, Uganda | The Jane Acilo Cup 2026 was officially launched on Friday at Rainbow Hotel in Oyam Town, in an initiative aimed at promoting grassroots football and empowering young people across Oyam District.
Although Hon. Jane Frances Acilo, the founder of the Jane Acilo Foundation and Oyam District Woman MP aspirant, was absent, her team and tournament organizers unveiled the competition on her behalf.
Atyang Tom Peter, Chairperson of Oyam District Football Association (DFA), welcomed the initiative, highlighting its importance in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for youth engagement in sports.
Tournament Chairperson Anthony Odongo, popularly known as Giggs, said the competition will follow standard FIFA rules and will be held annually.
Each of the 16 sub-counties in the district will receive a football and a full set of uniforms, and organizers will handle transport to all match venues to ensure participation.
The tournament is set to kick off on Tuesday, 16th December 2026, with the grand final scheduled at Oyam Boma Grounds.
The prizes for the top three teams are as follows: Winner: UGX 1,000,000, trophy, and gold medals, 1st Runner-up: UGX 700,000 and silver medals and 2nd Runner-up: UGX 500,000 and bronze medals.
Odongo assured attendees that medical personnel and security officials will be on standby throughout the tournament to safeguard players.
Representing the main sponsor, Dr. Leslie Nek Ojom, CEO of the Jane Acilo Foundation, emphasized the foundation’s focus on youth empowerment, education, health, and agriculture.
He highlighted past achievements, including health camps benefiting over 5,000 people and support for vulnerable learners.
“Health and sports go hand in hand. The Jane Acilo Cup will continue annually to nurture talent and promote discipline,” Dr. Ojom said.
Oyam District Youth Chairperson Maxwell Elwop praised the initiative, saying it would positively impact young people in the district.
Coaches from across Lango will scout talent during the competition, according to technical team member Dan Ogwal Egwedo.
Renowned coach and football agent Bob Obira encouraged players to participate and remain disciplined, assuring that exceptional talent could be linked to top clubs such as KCCA FC and Vipers SC.
He also cautioned against drug use.
Hon. Acilo’s message, delivered by her team, urged parents and guardians to support their children’s participation, noting that the tournament promotes discipline, opportunity, and talent development.
The launch at Rainbow Hotel marks the official start of what is expected to become a major annual football event in Oyam District, with the Jane Acilo Cup 2026 set to inspire and discover the next generation of football stars.
