By Our Reporter 

KUMI - The 2026 Emorimor Cup officially got underway at Kumi Boma Grounds on September 25, bringing together clans through football and netball as organisers seek to use sport to promote unity, identify young talent and strengthen cultural ties among the Iteso.

Speaking during the launch, Steven Ojacor encouraged young people to take the competition seriously, noting that football has grown beyond entertainment and can provide employment and other opportunities for young people.

ICU Director of Sports Amegere Elsie Zion said the tournament will continue across the districts until October 10 before advancing to the zonal, regional and national stages.

Zion said the best-performing teams will eventually represent Uganda in Kenya during the anniversary celebrations.

She added that the tournament is also designed to provide a platform for young footballers to showcase their abilities, with scouts and other football stakeholders expected to follow the competition.

Zion congratulated Iraraka Ilogir and Ikatekok Ingino for making history as the first two clans to face each other in the 2026 Emorimor Cup.

The opening football draw ended with both clans taking one point each, setting the stage for further competition as the tournament progresses.

Ikomolo Edge Inyakelo in Netball

Netball also featured prominently during the launch, with Ikomolo Clan from Soroti taking on Inyakelo Clan from Kumi at Kumi Boma Grounds.

The closely contested encounter was played over four quarters, with both teams displaying determination and attacking intent from the opening whistle.

Ikomolo maintained a narrow advantage as the match progressed, while Inyakelo continued to push for a comeback.

At the final whistle, Ikomolo emerged victorious with a 26–22 win, securing a four-goal advantage over their Kumi counterparts.

The victory gave Ikomolo the opening-day bragging rights in the netball contest and added to the excitement surrounding the launch of the Emorimor Cup 2026.

The inter-clan sporting competition is intended to bring the Iteso together through sport while creating opportunities for young people to showcase their talents and promoting cultural unity across the region.