Close

In a thrilling clash that resonated with the passion of Busoga’s football aficionados, reigning champions Bukooli Namayingo emerged victorious with a confident 2-0 win over Bunhole Bunanumba in the opening fixture of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup. The showdown unfolded at the Bwondha primary school playground on a day pulsating with excitement along the Mayuge-Bwondha highway.

The fixture marked the kickoff of a highly anticipated tournament, supported generously by MTN Uganda, who have contributed a significant portion of the sponsorship package, injecting life into this colorful sporting spectacle.

Iduma Odenga’s Screamer and Levis Barasa’s Clincher

The reigning champions, Bukooli Namayingo, seized control of Group C with a compelling victory over their local rivals. Iduma Odenga stole the spotlight with a breathtaking 30-yard screamer that found the net after 22 minutes, unleashing euphoria among the supporters who had flocked to witness the action. The drama reached its crescendo in the 91st minute, as Levis Barasa Muwango calmly slotted home a tap-in to secure the 2-0 triumph.

Reflecting on the victory, George William Wamala, the head coach of Bukooli-Namayingo, applauded his players for executing the game plan of securing an early advantage. “We had a game strategy of scoring earlier to boost our confidence in the game, and that really paid off until we got the caution goal. But in our training session, we must work on our possessive approach as Bunanumba really dominated us in the second half,” Wamala commented.

MTN Uganda and Haojue Motorcycle Company Celebrate Large Turnout

The atmosphere surrounding the event was electrifying, with legions of passionate football enthusiasts converging from every corner of Busoga’s chiefdoms. MTN Uganda’s Manager for Sponsorships and Events, John Paul Okwi, expressed his elation at the remarkable turnout, noting, “Today we had a much bigger audience than last year’s on the opening day. This indeed shows how excited our people from Busoga are through sports such as football. As MTN, we shall continue to support such events that draw such large audiences.”

Wei Biao, Manager of Haojue Motorcycle Company, echoed the sentiment, thrilled to witness the fervent response of the crowd. The Deputy Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom, Osman Noor, extended gratitude to the sponsors for their role in stirring up enthusiasm through sports. “This large turn up indeed shows how excited people are when big companies like MTN Uganda and Haojue Motorcycle inject money to support sports development,” Noor affirmed.

Enhancing Teams and Prizes

Busoga Kingdom’s Sports Minister, Amin Nkono Bbosa, acknowledged the impact of sponsorships in orchestrating such a vibrant event. Bbosa highlighted that all 14 Masaza Cup competing teams had received two sets of jerseys, and the top four semi-finalists were rewarded with an increased prize purse. “This crowd has come here because of MTN Uganda and other sponsors that have indeed helped us organize such a colorful event. As event organizers, we are very grateful for MTN Uganda,” Bbosa lauded.

Kigulu vs. Bulamogi and More Action-Packed Encounters

The football frenzy will resume on Saturday when two-time champions Kigulu host Bulamogi at the Iganga Saza Ground. Meanwhile, Butembe, former one-time winners, will square off against Bukooli Bugiri at the Bugembe Stadium. The action-packed weekend will conclude on Sunday as Bugabula takes on Busiki at the Kamuli Municipal Stadium.

In this year’s fiercely contested competition, the collective contributions of MTN Uganda, Haojue Motorcycles, and Nile Breweries have amounted to a total sponsorship injection of Shs 500 million.

 

 Bukhooli-Namayingo FC has won the 2022 Busoga Cup in a heated match that ended 1-0 against Kigulu FC. This is the club’s maiden win. This is a football competition amongst the 14 counties (Masaza) that collectively make up the Kingdom or Obwa Kyabazinga bwa Busoga. The final attracted thousands, who watched the game at the Jinja-based Kyabazinga stadium in Bugembe. 

The highly anticipated yet heated up action between the two trophy contenders crowned the 5th edition of the MTN-sponsored tournament that has been happening across the Kingdom since May this year. The game was presided over by the King of Busoga, His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV -Isebantu Kyabazinga. 

The day started with a losers’ match between Butembe and Bugabula FC to get the 3rd and 4th place teams. This ended in a 2-1 win for Butembe.

The winning county of Bukhooli-Namayingo Won Ugx 10 million and a trophy. In second place was Kigulu FC which walked away with Ugx.7 million, Butembe FC which came third won Ugx.5 million while Bugabula FC that held the fourth position walked away with Ugx.3 million.

On a brighter note, Kigulu’s shot-stopper, Abubakari Kisumba took the golden glove award while Bugabula’s Waisswa Kasango took the golden boot thanks to his eight goals throughout the tournament. 

Bugembe’s Lukeman Lwanga was given the award of the youngest footballer of the tournament while Luuka’s David Oketcho was recognised as the most valuable player

Reflecting on the impact of the tournament, Joseph Bogera the General Manager for Sales and Distribution at MTN Uganda noted that the tournament continues to deliver a core objective of fostering the socio-economic and cultural wellbeing of people through sports among other initiatives. 

“This has indeed been a fruitful engagement with the people of Busoga. It’s a platform that brings a lot of excitement for the community and allows us (MTN) to engage with the people of Busoga”, Bogera said, adding that MTN is set to sponsor a bicycle racing competition amongst the Busoga counties in the near future.

Daniel Musota, the Busoga kingdom deputy sports minister noted that the tournament had lived up to its expectations. “New talent has been identified throughout the two-month-long tournament, a good sign for an even better season next year. We thank our sponsors, MTN and Mayuge Sugar Limited for sponsoring this endeavor,” Musota said.

MTN is committed to fostering shared value, through working with cultural institutions in Uganda to spur socio-economic development through sports, education, and health initiatives.

With the final action of the 5th edition of the MTN-Sponsored Busoga Cup Tournament set to happen on the 17th of this month, MTN Uganda yesterday announced a discount for the ordinary tickets to the long-awaited Busoga Cup final for the fans who will pay using MTN MoMo.

In a press conference held yesterday at the Busoga Kingdom headquarters in Jinja, John Paul Okwi, the MTN Uganda Sponsorship, and Events manager confirmed that the ordinary tickets to the final match between Kigulu FC and Bukhooli-Namayingo FC will go for Ugx.3,000/= via MTN MoMo, down from Ugx.5,000/= for the fans who will pay in cash at the gate.

“The Busoga Cup football tournament has been an exciting one this year. We have been watching from a distance and indeed all is well.  Therefore, to ensure that more people get access to the final match, MTN has decided to discount the ordinary tickets from Ugx.5,000/= to Ugx.3,000/= for the fans who will pay through MTN MoMo. We are delighted to be part of an initiative that is making His royal highness William Gabula Nadiope IV the Kyabazinga of Busoga proud. Come in big numbers and let’s enjoy football,” Okwi said.

Okwi further added that during the final match, the MTN Kabode phone will be available in cash at Uganda shillings 249,000 and on installment payments while MTN simcards will go for as low as Uganda shillings 1000. All one needs is to have a national ID.

Amin Bbosa, the Sports Minister of Busoga Kingdom thanked MTN for partnering with the Kingdom, as well as the other co-sponsors whose efforts have made the tournament a success over the course of 4 months since its launch in May this year.

“This year’s edition has been very competitive compared to the past editions. I commend all the individuals who have tirelessly supported their respective Masaza teams. I urge you to come and witness the final match of this unprecedented tournament, Bbosa said. 

The unprecedented 5th edition of the Busoga Cup Tournament so far has a total of 92 goals scored, 113 yellow cards, and 4 red cards across 42 matches. The season’s highest scorer is Waiswa Kasango Arajabu from Bugabula.

Bbosa clarified that the finals, 3rd and 4th place matches will be played on 17th September 2022 at the Kyabazinga stadium Bugembe. The losers’ match will kick off at 1 pm whereas the final match between Kigulu and Namayingo FC shall be played at 3 pm. VIP ticket goes out at Uganda shillings 20,000 on a first come first serve basis since the number will be limited.

Bosa further revealed that the prizes are the same as earlier communicated, the winning team will walk away with Uganda shillings 10 million and a trophy, the first runners up Ugx.7 million, the second runners up Ugx.5 million and the fourth Ugx.3 million.

Also present at the press conference were; Musota Daniel the deputy sports minister, Richard Mafumo the minister for culture and Issa Magoola the chairman organizing committee, who in their respective capacities thanked the media and other stakeholders for their support and dedication to promoting unity through sports. 

This year’s edition of the Busoga Masaza cup has seen Busoga unite and more talents discovered. Bugabula and Bugembe have seen most of their players join Jinja North United a big-league team and many more players from different Masaza teams are being hunted by regional teams as they prepare for the 2022/2023 season.

The 2nd Round of the 5th Edition of Omupiira Gwa Masaza Ga Busoga resumed last weekend with several matches lined up for Sunday and Monday respectively. 

This year’s competition that is running under the theme “Talent Identification, Development and Promotion”, is proudly sponsored by MTN Uganda with Mayuge Sugar Industries Limited as co-sponsors.

The tournament has so far been full of excitement and surprises as presumed giants surprisingly failed to collect maximum points at home as expected since 14th May 2022 when the opening match was played at St Gonzaga playground in Kagoma. 

On Sunday, Bukooli-Namayingo hosted Busiki at Namayingo P/S in a spirited match that saw Bukooli Namayingo score 3 goals against Busiki that failed to see the back of the net in its 2nd round opening match.

Bukono conceded one goal from Bugabula at Ivukula Subcounty playground in a match that ended 1-0 in favor of Bugabula while Buzaaya beat Budiope 2-0 in a heated match that was held at Buyende P/S Playground 

Early this week on Monday, Luuka hosted Bugweri at Luuka district headquarters playground, Bukooli Bugiri took on Bulamogi at Hindocha playground and Kigulu hosted Bunhole-Bunanumba at Iganga Saza ground.

Six matches have been slated for this weekend. On Saturday, Butembe will take on Budiope at the Budondo Subcounty grounds while Bunha shall face-off with Bukooli-Namayingo at the Buluba Hospital grounds. On the same day, Bugweri will play against Kigulu at the Busesa Mixed p/S pitch.

On Sunday, the action will continue with Bulamogi playing against Bukono at Namwiwa P/S playground while Bunhole-Bunanhumba shall take on Luuka at the Bugadde P/s playground. Bugabula shall host Bukooli-Bugiri at the Kamuli Municipal grounds.

As the 2nd round ensues, the competing teams are targeting the next phase of the knockout stage to brighten their chances of getting to the quarterfinals coupled with the semis and eventually finals to be played on 13th August. 

 

Perennial Busoga Masaza Cup participants-Bugabula County Football Team on Sunday registered another victory by putting 4 goals behind Bukono County Football Team. Even when football pundits had regarded them as underdogs, the description has since shifted to being title contenders in this year’s edition if Sunday’s win is anything to go by.

The first half ended in a goalless draw in a game played at Kamuli Municipality Ground and watched by several area politicians. However, Bugabula entered second half like wounded lions culminating into four goals making it inevitable for them not to lead Bukowe group with six points and five goals scored. Their goals were scored by Jafali Kaziro, Rajab Waiswa with a brace and Sam Semigugu.

Even when they hail from the bigger Bugabula BB chiefdom, pitting them against each other as regards this year’s edition has brought in some rivalry. On Saturday, Budiope County FC visited Buzaaya County FC in a game played at Luzinga Church of Uganda Primary School ending in a 1 all draw.
Buzaaya had taken the lead in the 43rd minute courtesy of Samuel Ngobi before Budiope’s Joel Waiswa equalized with 21 minutes left to play. The two counties sit joint-2nd in Kagulu Hill Group table behind Butembe who have six points from two games.

Elsewhere, Bukooli Namayingo beat Busiki 2-1 over the weekend. Bukooli Namayingo scored in the 41st minute through Ismael Ndifuna before Busiki equalized in the 81st minute through Dennis Amori upon converting a penalty. However, Busiki’s plot for a draw was short lived as Bukooli Namayingo found a winning goal in the 89th minute through Douglas Soita who headed into the net from a corner kick.
Busiki sit bottom of Mawembe group, Bukooli Namayingo are second with 3 points in a group led by historicals from Bunha.

Relatedly, Bugweri did not find any issues overcoming Luuka. The game’s only goal was scored by Derrick Menya. Bugweri opted for long balls and a defensive system in the second half which in turn handed them their first victory in the tournament. Nhenda group seems to be the group of death with Kigulu, Luuka and Bugweri having three points each.
This year’s edition is sponsored by MTN Uganda and Mayuge Sugar Industries Limited as co-sponsors.
Summary of Results.
Buzaya 1 vs 1 Budiope
Busiki 1 vs 2 Bukooli Namayingo
Bugweri 1 vs 0 Luuka
Bugabula 4 vs 0 Bukono

Ever since the 5th edition of the MTN Uganda sponsored Busoga Masaza Cup kicked off last month, each of the participating teams seems to have sharpened their scorers. This is evident by the number of goals scored so far.

Just last weekend, many games were played at the different venues but scoring in each of the games was inevitable.

Ayub Dester’s troops from Bunha County Football team made a trip to Namayingo on Sunday for a showdown with Bukooli Namayingo. In a game played at Namayingo P/S playground, a lone goal by David Okema was enough to condemn Bukooli Namayingo for the day. This is Bunha’s second successive win.

Luuka managed to humble Bunhole Bunanhumba 2-1 thereby securing the much needed three points in Nhendha group.

Luuka took an early lead in the first three minutes having capitalized on pitch familiarity and doubled their lead in the sixteenth minute courtesy of Allan Bamwanga and Cyrus Mugulusi respectively. Bunhole tried to fire back but only managed a consolation through Joel Tumwesigye in the second half.

Bulamogi, who are making their maiden appearance in the tournament, silenced their neighbors from Bukono with a 1-0 in a game played at Ivuukula Sub-county playground. Their solitary goal was scored by Nathan Bwamiki in the first half. Bulamogi capitalized on Bukono’s mistakes since they were being underrated as new entrants to the tournament. Bulamogi will next entertain Bugabula next month in Namwiwa.

The Busoga Masaza tournament is graced by a vast number of people from the kingdom and the tournament sponsors including MTN Uganda.

Joseph Bogera, General Manager, Sales and Distribution, MTN Uganda said the tournament has driven a sense of unity amongst the people of Busoga.

“On behalf of MTN Uganda, I am glad to see the matches unfolding because the tournament is testimony to the power of togetherness which is critical to cultural bonds. MTN seeks to harness togetherness amongst the people of Busoga, because at MTN, we believe we are good together,” he said.

Goals during this tournament have been an attractive factor that draws the people of Busoga from far and wide to watch the matches.

2017 Masaza Champions Butembe County Football team didn’t waste time in humbling perennial participants from Budiope.

Second half goals from Bashir Kabi and Farouk Magumba were the main determinants of the game. This is Butembe’s second win after overcoming Buzaaya in the opener of the tournament.

It should be noted that all the 8 matches played so far have seen at least a goal scored in each game. No game has ended in a draw.

Luuka’s Allan Bamwanga has scored the fastest goal so far (inside the opening 5 minutes in the first half).

A total of 14 goals have been scored, 4 in the first half and 10 in the second half by 12 different players in total.

Relatedly, no team has lost a game after taking the lead either in first or second half.

Bunha has scored the highest number of goals (5) at the moment.

Bunha and Butembe have each kept 2 clean sheets at home and away from home successively.

This weekend, the streak remained undefeated as Buzaaya and Budiope ended the match at 1-1 at Luzinga Community Primary School while Bukooli Namayingo defeated Busiki 2-1 at Namutumba Upper Primary School.

The long-awaited 5th edition of the Busoga Masaza Cup kicked off on Saturday at St. Gonzaga Playground in Kagoma, with Butembe facing off Buzaaya in a spirited opening match to a two-month football tournament that will see the 14 counties of Busoga Kingdom face-off on the turf.

Watched by a well mobilized mammoth crowd, His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV-Isebantu Kyabazinga of Busoga flagged off the game between Buzaaya County FC and Butembe County FCl, alongside the MTN Chief Executive Officer, Wim Vanhelleputte. MTN is the lead sponsor of the 5th edition of the Busoga Masaza Cup following a two-year partnership between the Kingdom and the Telecom.

As early as midday, fans hurriedly took up space to watch their favorite players showcase their talent on the pitch.

Prior to kick-off, there was a match passed where all the 14 participating teams waved to the monarch before he inspected all the teams.

Both teams exhibited talent and the 1st half ended in a goalless draw but a resurgent Butembe came with full guns blazing in the 2nd half and, through Magumba Faruku, scored the only goal of the day in the 73rd minute thereby sending their enthusiastic fans into endless jubilation. The match ended in a 1-0 win in favor of Butembe, against Buzaaya County.

The Kingdom Premier Owek. Dr. Joseph Muvawala asked participating teams to exhibit discipline throughout the tournament with emphasis on promoting unity and togetherness for the good of Busoga.

Kyabazinga and MTN Uganda CEO Wim at the launch event

The Kingdom’s 1st Deputy Premier, Owek. Prof. Dr. Muhamadi Lubega commended the soccer fans for gracing the game in large numbers.

Owek. Osman Noor Ahmed,2nd Deputy Premier flanked by the Kingdom Sports Ministers Owek. Amin Bbosa and Owek. Daniel Musota revealed that as a Kingdom, they are determined to give the best to the people of Busoga with soccer being one of them.

MTN Uganda’s Chief Excutive Officer, Wim Vanhelleputte revealed that as a corporate company, they cherish and treasure culture as a key identity for their customers.

“As MTN Uganda it is an honor for us to associate with a pro-people initiative like the Busoga Masaza Cup. We look forward to the spirited and engaging interactions with the people of Busoga, just like we did with the recently-concluded MTN Masaza Cup in Tooro Kingdom.” Said Vanhelleputte.

Present at the opening ceremony were Kingdom officials led by Isabalangira of Busoga, Sam Menha Kakaire Nkuutu, Owek. George William Mutyabule, Kingdom Ministers, MPs led by Hon. Brandon Kintu, Hon. Mariam Naigaga, Hon. Manjeri Kyebanakutika, Hon. Muzaale Martin, Hon. Loy Katali, Hon. Moses Grace Balyeku and Hon. Monica Namukose Kamagu Nnalongo among others.

Apart from MTN Uganda, the other sponsor of the Busoga Masaza Cup is Busoga’s own Mayuge Sugar Industries Limited.

This year’s edition is running under the theme “Talent Identification, Development and Promotion”

On the sidelines of the match was a MoMo Nyabo exhibition that served as a platform for MTN MoMo Uganda to sensitize the masses in Busoga about its on-going MoMo Nyabo Waaka promotion.