By Nathan Eyagu 

SOROTI CITY — Aries Bar and Lounge in Soroti City has injected UGX 2 million into the Ateker Cup of Nations, becoming one of the latest partners to support the regional sporting competition ahead of its official kick-off in Soroti City.

The Ateker Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place from 16 to 22 August 2026 in Soroti City, bringing together teams and young talents in a competition aimed at promoting sports, nurturing talent and strengthening community connections across the Ateker region.

The Ateker Sports and Arts Foundation (ASAF), the official organizer of the Ateker Cup of Nations, welcomed the partnership with Aries Bar and Lounge, describing the contribution as an example of how local businesses can play a meaningful role in supporting grassroots sports.

Speaking during the official unveiling of Aries Bar and Lounge as a partner, Isaac Olupot, CEO of the Ateker Cup of Nations, said preparations for the competition are progressing well and expressed excitement over the latest partnership.

“We are here to say that Ateker Cup of Nations is starting in a few days. We are super excited today to unveil our partners in Soroti City. Today has been a blessed day as Aries Bar and Lounge in Soroti City has officially come on board to support Ateker Cup of Nations,” Olupot said.

Olupot commended Aries Bar and Lounge for its contribution, urging other businesses and organizations to follow its example and support the tournament.

He emphasized that supporting the competition does not necessarily require large financial contributions, noting that even small amounts can help organizers meet essential tournament expenses.

“Whether you are a hotel or a small business, that 1,000, 2,000 or 3,000 shillings can actually buy water for someone, pay referees, pay security and do a couple of things to make this a success,” he said.

Olupot described the contribution as an important example for other businesses, particularly bar and entertainment operators, to become involved in community sports.

“Aries Bar has set a pace for all the bar owners. We would like to say, come and support Ateker Cup of Nations. This has been a very good example. Let’s make our boys play. It begins from home.”

He also thanked Aries Bar and Lounge, Soroti City and other partners for their support towards the tournament.

As part of its partnership with the tournament, Aries Bar and Lounge will host an Ateker Cup of Nations activation on Saturday, ahead of the competition's opening on 16 August.

Apecho Caroline, a host at Aries Bar and Lounge, said the venue is ready to welcome sports and entertainment enthusiasts for the activation.

“Today we officially unveil Aries Bar and Lounge as the official sponsor of Ateker Cup of Nations. On Saturday we'll be activating the Ateker Cup of Nations at Aries Bar and Lounge,” Caroline said.

The activation will feature entertainment from Dimz UG from Karamoja, DJ Ijo, DJ Pin and DJ Bipa, with MC Ricxel also expected to take part in the event.

Caroline encouraged members of the public to attend the activation, announcing that entrance will be free of charge.

“All roads lead to Aries Bar and Lounge for the activation of Ateker Cup of Nations. Entrance is free of charge.”

Sadat Abdullah, another host at Aries Bar and Lounge, said the establishment's decision to support the Ateker Cup of Nations reflects its wider commitment to community engagement and talent development.

He said Aries Bar and Lounge wants to play a role beyond its commercial activities by supporting initiatives that bring people together and create opportunities for young talent.

“We are just more than a bar and a club that is going to be making money from each and every one of us. What we've done here as a bar is to involve ourselves in community activities, try to nurture talent and try to bring people together through the common activity that is sports,” Abdullah said.

Abdullah noted that sports has increasingly created opportunities for young people, with some athletes progressing to compete outside Uganda and earning income from their talents.

“We've seen the increase of sports, we've seen players go out of the country, we've seen them earning even from some of these activities. As a bar and lounge, we decided to engage ourselves in it and try to support local talent and also support those who have been in the industry quite some time.”

The UGX 2 million contribution from Aries Bar and Lounge comes as ASAF continues to mobilize support for the Ateker Cup of Nations, with organizers calling on businesses, institutions and individuals to contribute towards the success of the competition.

The tournament will run from 16th to 22nd August 2026 in Soroti City, providing a platform for young athletes to compete, showcase their abilities and pursue opportunities through sport.

The partnership between ASAF and Aries Bar and Lounge also highlights the growing role of local businesses in supporting grassroots sports and community development.

With the tournament just days away, attention now turns to the Saturday activation at Aries Bar and Lounge as Soroti City prepares to host the Ateker Cup of Nations from 16–22 August,2026.