• FT: Bukono 0-1 Butembe

Butembe emerged as champions of the seventh edition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup, which concluded over the weekend at Bugembe Stadium.

Ivan Nakalanga’s decisive finish secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Butembe against Bukono in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd.

The match started brightly for Butembe, with Nakalanga’s early goal sending fans into jubilation.

Despite Bukono’s persistent attempts to equalize, Butembe’s resolute defence held firm, ensuring they maintained a clean sheet and clinched the title.

His Royal Highness, William Wilberforce Gabula, honoured the grand finale with his presence, presenting the trophy to the well-deserving champions.

The tournament has not only offered a platform for young, raw talent to shine but has also fostered unity among the people of the Busoga region.

• Busoga Masaza Cup | Weekend Results

• Kigulu 1-0 Bugweri (Abandoned)
• Budiope 0-2 Bukoli Namayingo
• Bukono 2-2 Bulamogi
• Bunhole Bunanumba 1-0 Bunha

The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup clash between Kigulu and Bugweri was abandoned after turmoils and chaos clouded the entertaining game of football at Iganga Saza Playground on Saturday.

Okasha Mulondo put Bugweri upfront on 33 minutes but it was later ruled offside and controversy kicked off from that point onwards.

The first half ended 0-0 after either side failed to register a legitimate goal in the first 45 minutes.

Later in the 71st minute, Shaban Kakaire faced the same sour taste as his goal was flagged offside.

Ten minutes later, Kiguli found the lead through Ali Kiyemba who scored after a scuffle after Kakaire’s corner.

The game got heated up and Bugweri’s players attacked the center referee, Geoffrey Sajjabi in protest for what they called ‘poor officiating’.

As the referee was discussing with the players, Bugweri’s officials and supporters also walked onto the pitch calling for security to intervene.

The match organisers called off the match after the crowds invaded the pitch.

Robert Kaluuba, Bugweri’s head coach, expressed his frustration citing that the centre referee messed up the game.

“Centre referee Sajjabi messed up the game and I am so disappointed with the way he handled the game,” he said.

• MTN Busoga Masaza Cup | Results
• Bulamogi 2-0 Bugweri
• Bukoli Namayingo 3-1 Budiope

The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup served the football faithful in the region with surprises in the two games that were held on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

On Saturday, Bulamogi registered a 2-0 victory against group leaders Bugweri in the ongoing Busoga Masaza Cup.

Shortly after the full-time whistle, Bulamogi head coach Yusuf Izimba told the press that the victory would drive them further after a false start.

“The win will surely inspire us going forward. We might have lost our first two games but being a young team there is a lot to put right and get better,” he said.

Bugweri’s gaffer Kenneth Kaluuba revealed that the loss suffered was due to the escalating injuries with his squad.

“Our team has been depleted due to injuries. We might have lost the game but it’s a wake-up call for us to bounce back going forward,” he noted.

The tournament will take a break for two weeks before the return of the second round.

• MTN Busoga Masaza Cup | Results
• Bukooli Namayingo 3-1 Budiope

Bukooli Namayingo registered a 3-1 victory against Budiope in the MTN Busoga Masaza on Sunday evening.

Andrew Kisule put Budiope in the lead right away in the second minute to give the match the right start. Dan Mubaale restored parity for Bukoli Nayingo two minutes later.

It was an end-to-end encounter but no side took a whole control of the first 45 minutes.

Two minutes past the hour mark, Douglas Soita nodded home to give Bukooli Namayingo the lead, sending the home crowd to party.

Late in the game, Budiope conceded an own goal to complicate their fight into the game.

Budiope’s gaffer Wycliffe Mudoola stressed that the team will bounce back in the coming games.

“The game was tough and tight. We tried to fight but failed. We shall bounce back in our next matches,” he said.

The victory takes Bukooli Namayingo to the summit of the group with three victories, posting nine points.

MTN Busoga Masaza | Results

• Bunhole Bunanumba 0-2 Bukooli Namayingo

Bukooli Namayingo registered a 2-0 victory against Bukooli Namayingo in the MTN Busoga Masaza opening game on Sunday.

Iduma Odenga and Levis Barasa were on target to ensure Bukooli Namayingo take home maximum points.

Like it’s the norm in the Busoga Region, the turn up was huge as the highly attended tournament got underway.

In the 18th minute, Odega nodded home after being set up by Talyaka Reagan in a well weighed cross hence getting the fans on the feet.

Bunhole Bunanumba threw bodies upfront in search of a leveller but the opposite side was firm and strong to suck in the pressure.

As the the end to the first stanza was looming, Bukoli Namayingo came so close through Talyaka but the custodian of Bunhole was attentive on the job.

The second half had limited action as the pace gradually fell not until the last minutes of the game when it got heated up.

In added time, Barasa doubled the lead with yet another powerful header to add salt into Buhole’s wounds.

At full time it was the boys in black that we’re chanting before their fans got onto the pitch to join the celebrations.

Busoga Kindom in partnership with MTN Uganda launched the 5th edition of the annual Masaza Cup tournament to groom and provide a stage for talents in the region.

The announcement was made on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the Kingdom’s headquarters.

This year, the tournament has attracted 14 counties and action will be getting underway on Sunday, August 20th.

While addressing the press, Busoga Kingdom’s second deputy prime minister Owek. Osman Noor thanked the sponsors for supporting the region hence growing talent.

“Today we launch the 6th edition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup 2023. I want to take this opportunity to thank MTN Uganda who have moved this journey with us to date,” Osman revealed.

“I would like to thank the sports minister in the kingdom owek Amin Bbosa, we are here today because of your tireless efforts,” he added.

“Thank you for steering the ship and making sure that each edition becomes better than the previous one. I also want to thank the technical committee that is doing everything to see that we hold a successful tournament.”

“I want to announce today that the previous tournament was ranked as the best tournament in the country due to the support from all corners to see that everything is successful,” he concluded.

MTN Eastern regional business manager Jimmy Isaraza confirmed continuity in support of sports to grow the community.

“With the participation of all the 14 counties the 5th edition of the tournament showcases massive support from everyone,” he stated.

“We are thrilled to see representatives from all corners of Busoga as we celebrate sportsmanship and community spirit. It’s about making everyone in the community feel the energy of the game.”

The winner of the tournament will walk away with UGX 12 million, the first runner-up will be awarded UGX eight million while the third and fourth place is destined for a package of UGX six and four million respectively courtesy of MTN.

2023 MTN Busoga Masaza Cup Groups

Bukowe

• Kigulu
• Bulamogi
• Bukono
• Bugweri

Nendha

• Bukooli Namayingo
• Budiope
• Bunha
• Bunhole Bunanumba

Mawembe

• Butembe
• Bukooli Bugiri
• Buzaya

Kagulu

• Bugabula
• Busiki
• Luuka