The 2025 MTN Busoga Masaza Cup—Powered by Kabode—sprang to life this weekend with a jam-packed two-day fixture list that delivered hard-fought draws, decisive wins, missed chances, and early group table shakeups.
Saturday Highlights: Champions Held, Bugabula Shine on the Road
The tournament curtain officially lifted on Saturday across three venues, but all eyes were locked on Namagera Town Council Playground in Butagaya, Jinja District. That’s where reigning champions Butembe were held to a goalless draw by Kigulu in a tense affair under a cloudy sky.
Though scoreless, the match was anything but dull. Butembe’s Eric Kibirango nearly drew first blood just three minutes in, forcing Kigulu goalkeeper Joshua Musasizi into a sharp early save. The action remained end-to-end with standout moments from Butembe’s Nicolous Mukiibi, who dazzled from the right flank, though his long-range attempt at the 37-minute mark failed to hit the target.
The defining chance of the match came three minutes after halftime. A swift counterattack saw Butembe captain Ivan Nakalanda whip in a low cross, only for Mukiibi to rattle the crossbar from close range. The second half devolved into a midfield battle as both teams resorted to aerial balls in search of a breakthrough, with Kigulu earning five corners that were all heroically defended by Butembe.
In the end, a point apiece felt fair.
“Today was a well-battled match that really deserved either team a point,” said Butembe head coach Isaac Kitakule. “We are contented by the result.”
Kigulu coach Nathan Mutenza shared similar sentiments.
“Opening matches are always shapeless… many players haven’t settled in yet. We’ll take this point and focus on our home games in Iganga,” Mutenza noted.
Elsewhere in the Kagulu Group, Bugabula bagged the only win of the day, pulling off a 2-0 victory away at Bukooli Bugiri on the dusty Hindocha Primary School pitch. Meanwhile, Bunha and Buzaya played to a goalless draw at the Buluuba Hospital grounds, rounding out a Saturday heavy on defensive grit.
Sunday Spotlight: Busiki Make Statement, Bugweri Snatch Late Win
Sunday’s action belonged to Busiki, the 2023 champions, who sent out an early warning to the rest of the field with a commanding 3-0 demolition of 2022 champions Bukooli Namayingo at the raucous Kisiki College Grounds in Namutumba.
Abdallah Kawanguzi broke the deadlock in the 31st minute with a thunderous strike, before Lunkabire Katibu doubled the lead with a pinpoint header just before halftime. With Bukooli Namayingo scrambling for stability, Busiki struck again midway through the second half—this time through Simon Euko—putting the game beyond reach.
The result sends Busiki straight to the top of the Nendha Hill Group, ahead of Butembe and Kigulu who share second place on a point each.
Further south in Bugade, Bugweri edged out Bunhole Bunanhumba 2-1 in a closely contested Mawembe Hill Group tie. The away win places Bugweri level on points with Bukono, who top the group thanks to goal difference after their 2-0 win over Budiope a week earlier.
What’s Next:
Action resumes next weekend with six fixtures split across Saturday and Sunday:
Saturday, July 26
- Bukooli Namayingo vs Butembe – Bukooli Primary School
- Bugweri vs Bukono – Busesa Mixed Primary School
- Kigulu vs Busiki – Saza Ground, Iganga
Sunday, July 27
- Budiope vs Bunhole Bunanhumba – Irundu
- Luuka vs Bukooli Bugiri – Busalaamu Primary School
- Bulamogi vs Bunha – Kasokwe Primary School
With early contenders emerging and the reigning champions already under pressure, the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup is heating up—fast. Whether it’s the midfield tussles, edge-of-the-seat finishes, or the roars from the community-packed grounds, one thing is clear: football is alive and thriving in the heart of Busoga.
