In a dramatic climax that marked the exhilarating return of competitive football to the historic Hamz Stadium (Nakivubo War Memorial Grounds), Buweekula County imprinted their name into the Masaza history, defeating two-time champions Ssingo to lift their first-ever Airtel Masaza Cup title.
The 2025 edition featured 18 counties divided into three groups: Muganzirwazza (which included champions Buweekula and runners-up Ssingo), Masengere, and Bulange.
Since the first tournament in 2004, the Masaza Cup has continued its mandate of developing young talent from the counties within the Buganda Kingdom and neighbouring territories.
In a fitting return to this hallowed ground, the two-time champions, Ssingo, came out with the ferocity of a side that knew this stage well.
They dictated the tempo, pressing high and carving out chances, much to the delight of their fervent supporters. Their pressure paid off, and they headed into the halftime break with pressure exerted on their competitor.
But football is a game of two halves, and Buweekula emerged from the tunnel with a fire in their bellies.
Eager to make their mark on the grand stage and upset the established order, they played with a fearless determination that would ultimately rewrite their history.
In a second-half performance for the ages, Buweekula unleashed a relentless assault, netting a magnificent goal scored by Alex Taremwa.
The final whistle sparked scenes of unbridled joy, as players and fans in Buweekula colours celebrated a historic, hard-fought victory.
In the third-place playoff earlier in the day, Kyaggwe outclassed Bugerere, clinching the bronze medal and wrapping up a remarkable campaign that saw them fall just short of the final.
Acknowledging the exceptional standard of play, Mr. Soumendra Sahu, the managing Director for Airtel Uganda, the tournament’s premium sponsors, stated:
“The exceptional talent we have witnessed from these young sportsmen throughout the tournament is a powerful indicator of the Masaza Cup’s success in grooming youth for national and international stages. This platform is vital for building the future of Ugandan football.”
He added that Airtel’s innovations this season brought fans closer to the action than ever before.
“At the start of the 2025 tournament, we introduced the Masaza bundles to ensure fans never missed a moment of the action, bringing the excitement directly to them. This is part of our core mandate: to continue giving our customers a reason to imagine, no matter the season. Our goal is to revolutionise our customers’ experiences, and through initiatives in entertainment like the Masaza Cup, we are committed to being a partner in Uganda’s growth.”
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga praised the competition’s unifying spirit and expressed gratitude to Airtel Uganda and other partners for their continued support.
“We extend our deepest appreciation to our steadfast partners, led by Airtel Uganda, for standing with us in this noble initiative. Your support is invaluable in empowering the youth of Buganda, providing them with a positive outlet for their energy and a platform to showcase their potential,” stated Mayiga.
Commending the conduct both on and off the pitch, Mayiga lauded the teams and supporters: “I must commend the sportsmanship portrayed by all the teams today, particularly the discipline of both the players and the fans. The continued passion and support from the fans, who always turn out in massive numbers, are the true spirit of the Masaza Cup. Thank you all for making this final a memorable occasion.”
The Airtel Masaza Cup was launched by the Buganda Kingdom in 2004 and continues its mandate of developing young talent from the counties within the Buganda Kingdom and neighboring territories. Balunywa reaffirmed Airtel’s broader brand promise, stating, “Beyond sport, Airtel remains committed to revolutionizing the customer experience through initiatives in education, health, agriculture, and entertainment, all grounded in our belief that progress begins with connection. The Masaza Cup perfectly embodies that spirit.”
