Kyabazinga flags off 9th MTN-Busoga Masaza Cup as Bugweri claim away victory

Bugweri FC got off to a perfect start with a 1-0 away win over Busiki FC during the opening of the MTN-Busoga Masaza Cup tournament 2026.

Bugweri FC's Ali Kiyemba scored the all-important goal at the Namutumba district headquarters playground on August 15, 2026.

Before the start of the game, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV, officially flagged off the first match of the 9th edition of the football tournament. Fourteen teams are competing in this edition.

The Kyabazinga arrived at the playground at around 3:00 pm with his convoy, accompanied by Busoga Kingdom's Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muvawala, his second deputy Alhaj Osman Ahmed Noor, Isabalangira (Chief Prince) of Busoga Samuel Zirabamuzale, and MTN Uganda's Regional Business Manager Allan Njagala. He planted a tree at the district headquarters before heading to the playground.

A few minutes after arrival, the Kyabazinga stepped out of his vehicle and was guided by Muvawala, Osman, the Minister of Sports in OBB Amin Bbosa, and the Kyabazinga Affairs Minister Yudaya Babirye to walk around the playground as he waved to the mammoth crowd that had turned up to watch the tournament opener.

He also inspected both teams and later kicked the ball to commence the edition. This year's edition is running under the theme "Abasadha N’empango mukukomya Ekifuna Mabunda mu Baana Abato."

The breakthrough came in the 62nd minute when Bugweri's Kiyemba headed home beautifully from a Tom Babalanda corner kick to give the visitors maximum points.

Kiyemba could have scored earlier—in the 53rd minute he was put through one-on-one with Busiki keeper Collin Wesonga from Tom Babalanda's well-crafted cross, but he blazed over the bar. He went close again in the 67th minute, controlling the ball inside the box only to fire inches wide.

Busiki thought they had a late equalizer in the 87th minute when substitute Nicholas Mukibi slotted home, but the home crowd's celebrations were cut short as he was flagged offside.

Bugweri FC's head coach, Umar Matende, said he was happy with the win away from home in a big opening match.

"I told my players to take this match as though it were a final. My target this season is to at least take Bugweri past the quarter-finals," Matende noted.

Denis Watuke, Busiki FC's head coach, said their opponents came more prepared despite his team being assembled late.

"I hear they had two friendly matches while for us, this was both a friendly and a competitive match. The opponents were also more aggressive than us, and all that comes down to preparations," Watuke stated.

Bugweri's Tom Babalanda was named Man of the Match, while Busiki team captain Rajjabu Tibita was voted second-best player. Both received cash prizes of Sh200,000 and Sh100,000 respectively, courtesy of MTN Uganda.

Next matches will include Busiki FC playing Bukooli Bugiri FC on match day two, and Bugweri FC hosting Bukooli Namayingo at home. Both games will be played on August 30.

On the sidelines after the first half, Muvawala said that with support from partners like MTN Uganda, OBB is able to develop the talent of young people through the Masaza Cup, and he recognized their continued contribution among other activities organized by the Kingdom.

He asked participating teams to exhibit discipline throughout the tournament, with an emphasis on promoting unity and togetherness for the good of Busoga.

Present at the opening ceremony were Kingdom officials led by Isabalangira of Busoga Samuel Nkuutu Zirabamuzale, OBB Ministers, and MPs including Hussein Muyonjo a.k.a Swengere (Jinja North), Stella Maris Nankwanga (Bugweri WMP), Joel Azalwa (Busiki County), and Jamal Ayagalaki (Bukooli County North).