Bugweri players in yellow contest possession with Bukooli Bugiri in black during their 3-1 Nendha group encounter.

Budiope held Bugabula to a tense goalless draw to finish the first round top of the Bukowe group, while Bugweri Entuudhi moved to the summit of Nendha after a 3-1 win over Bukooli Bugiri. Bukooli Namayingo and Busiki also shared the spoils in a goalless draw. Bugweri supporters jubilating their 3rd goal against Bukooli Bugir

Bugabula 0-0 Budiope

Budiope finished the first round top of the Bukowe group after holding Bugabula to a goalless draw in an emotional local derby at Kamuli Municipal Playground on Saturday.

The build-up had been intense, with fans of both sides taunting each other from the early morning hours as the streets of Kamuli took on the atmosphere of a public holiday.

That tension carried into the match, with emotions eventually spilling over onto the technical benches in the closing stages.

Bugabula dominated territorially in the first half and produced seven attempts at the Budiope goal.

After 12 minutes, Budiope goalkeeper Willy Arafat was forced to react quickly to keep out Titile Wambedde’s free-kick from 30 yards.

Bugabula then came close after a fine build-up involving Hassan Sanya and Raymond Kiyemba from midfield. Kiyemba found himself with an opportunity after half an hour but could only direct his effort into Arafat’s gloves.

As the half progressed, Budiope’s Malik Walugendo and Sadat Mukembo worked tirelessly to disrupt Bugabula’s midfield combination of Hassan Sanya and Kosea Kagga.

Budiope’s Malik Walugendo (right) battles Bugabula’s Douglas Soita (left) for possession during their tense Bukowe group clash.

Ten minutes after the restart, Mukembo almost produced the breakthrough himself. The Budiope midfielder danced past the entire Bugabula defence before unleashing a powerful shot that was saved by Bugabula goalkeeper Reagan Mundusu.

The match became increasingly competitive as both sides battled in midfield, but neither could find the decisive touch.

Tempers finally boiled over in the closing stages, with both technical benches becoming involved following a series of rough challenges. The incident drew supporters from both sides into the tense atmosphere before the long-awaited local derby finally ended goalless.

The result delighted Budiope coach Ronald Lukungu, who was pleased to see his team continue to defy the underdog tag.

“So excited with today’s point. Everyone underestimated our underdog tag but am happy to go into the break topping. We are going to build on these five points by concentrating on the two home matches we have in the second round,” said Lukungu.

Bugabula coach Sirage Bogere, meanwhile, was left lamenting poor officiation as well as his team’s inability to be decisive in front of goal.

Budiope’s Sadat Mukembo was named Man of the Match, with Bugabula’s Hassan Sanya finishing second.

Budiope end the first round top of the Bukowe group on five points. Bugabula and Bunha are joint second on four points, while Bukono sit bottom on two points, with all four teams having played three matches.

Bugabula’s Kosea Kagga (middle) attempts to weave his way past Budiope defenders during Saturday’s goalless encounter.

Bugweri 3-1 Bukooli Bugiri

Bugweri Entuudhi moved to the top of the Nendha group after beating Bukooli Bugiri 3-1 at Buseesa Mixed Primary School on Sunday.

Lukoola Gerald scored twice, while Musuku Innocent also found the net for the hosts. Tibenkana Isaac scored Bukooli Bugiri’s consolation.

Bugweri began strongly, piling pressure on the visitors’ defence and forcing the Bukooli goalkeeper into a series of saves to keep his side in the contest.

After 20 minutes, a heavy downpour swept across the ground, but it did little to dampen the determination of the home crowd, who had turned out in large numbers.

Bukooli Bugiri continued to hold firm, with goalkeeper Wambi Sanoni playing an important role in keeping Bugweri at bay.

But the resistance finally ended one minute before half-time when Musuku Innocent put Bugweri ahead.

The hosts carried their advantage into the second half and doubled it in the 53rd minute when Lukoola Gerald found the net.

Bukooli Bugiri suffered another setback in the 60th minute when goalkeeper Wambi Sanoni was injured and had to be replaced by his backup, Kabugo Kenneth.

Budiope goalkeeper Billy Arafati makes a crucial save to keep Bugabula at bay during the first round clash.

The visitors refused to give up and pulled one back in the 72nd minute through Tibenkana Isaac.

However, Bugweri restored their two-goal advantage in the 83rd minute as Lukoola struck again to complete his brace and put the result beyond doubt.

Lukoola’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award, with Bukooli Bugiri’s Tibenkana Isaac named runner-up.

Bukooli Namayingo 0-0 Busiki

Bukooli Namayingo and Busiki played out another goalless draw at Namayingo Primary School in a tightly contested encounter.

The point could prove valuable for Busiki, who finished the first round with just one point.

The result leaves Bugweri top of the Nendha group on seven points, followed by Bukooli Namayingo on five. Bukooli Bugiri are third on three points, while Busiki remain bottom on one.

All four teams in the group have now completed their first-round fixtures and will await the release of the second-round schedule.

The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup returns on Wednesday, 10 September, when defending champions Kigulu visit Bunhole Bunanumba at Bugadde Primary School.

Busoga Kingdom Sports Minister Amin Bbosa (2nd left) follows the action during Bugweri’s clash with Bukooli Bugiri.

On Thursday, 11 September, Bulamogi will host Luuka.