Kigulu claims third Busoga Masaza Cup in Bugembe showdown

Kigulu Chiefdom Football Club cemented their status as a powerhouse of Busoga football by winning the 8th edition of the MTN-Busoga Masaza Cup, defeating Luuka 1-0 in a closely contested final at Kyabazinga Stadium, Bugembe, on Saturday.

This victory marks Kigulu’s third championship title in the tournament’s history Sponsored by MTN Uganda.

The decisive moment came early in the second half when Bruhan Tasuba netted the solitary goal for Kigulu.

Luuka, who reached the final for the first time, struggled to convert several first-half scoring opportunities, allowing Kigulu to hold on to their slender lead until the final whistle.

The event, which ran under the theme, "Men are the Pillars in fighting Teenage Pregnancies, Early Marriages and School Dropouts," was graced by the King (Kyabazinga) of Busoga His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV.

Upon his arrival, the King was welcomed by Kingdom officials, including 1st Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr. Muhamadi Lubega and 2nd Deputy Prime Minister Alhaji Osman Ahmed Noor, alongside Sports Ministers Amin Bbosa, Daniel Musota, the chairman MTN-Busoga Masaza organizing committee Isa Magoola and MTN’s Commercial Head for East, Allan Njagala.

The Kyabazinga’s lap of honour, waving to the thousands of cheering fans, set an exciting tone for the afternoon.

Following the match, the Kyabazinga presented the championship trophy and a cash prize of 13 million shillings to the victorious Kigulu captain who was in company of team mates amidst ululations from supporters.

From L-R: Busoga Kingdom's 2nd Deputy Prime Minister Alhaj Asman Ahmed Noor, Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV, Busoga Kingdom's 1st Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr. Muhamadi Lubega Kisambira, singing the Busoga Anthem before start of the MTN-Busoga Masaza Cup final game between Kigulu and Luuka FC at Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe . Photo by Donald Kiirya

Alhaji Osman handed over a sh4 million cash prize to Bukooli Namayingo team in the 4th position, MTN’s Njagala handed over a sh6m cash prize to Bugabula FC in 3rd position, Prof. Dr. Lubega handed over a sh9m cash prize to Luuka FC while Kyabazinga handed over a sh13m cash prize to the Champions Kigulu FC.

Benjamin Sizomu Mbokani from Kigulu chiefdom emerged MVP, Emmanuel Nabola as top Scorer, Thomas Ronald Oroma from Luuka as best goalkeeper, Carlos Kaddu from Bugweri chiefdom as best young player and Eddie Kibwika from Kigulu chiefdom as best coach.

Oroma expressed his feelings about the game, indicating disappointment over the outcome.

Despite having hoped for better results, he acknowledged the loss and conveyed a sense of camaraderie with his friends, fellow players, and fans.

Kigulu FC (in blue jerseys) playing against Luuka FC (in maroon jerseys) during the final of the MTN-Busoga Masaza Cup at the Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe. Photo by Donald Kiirya

Eddie Kibwika the coach of Kigulu chiefdom attributed their performance to God.

He noted a moment during the game where a defender made a significant solo effort, highlighting a run from the defence that contributed to a goal.

“I have delivered what I promised management and fans of Kigulu chiefdom,” Kibwika said.   

Journey to the Final;

Luuka’s journey to the final was remarkable, as this was their first-ever appearance in the knock-out stages, having eliminated Bulamogi (3-0) and Bugabula (3-1) in the quarters and semis, respectively. Kigulu’s path involved dispatching Bukono (2-0) in the quarters and Bukooli Namayingo (2-1) in the semi-finals.

Kigulu previously lifted the trophy in 2018, defeating Butembe chiefdom 7-6 on penalties at Kyabazinga stadium in Bugembe and 2019 with a 1-0 win against Bunha chiefdom.