The Buganda Kingdom Minister for Youth, Sports and Arts, Robert Serwanga Ssalongo, has called on officials involved in the 2026 Masaza Cup tournament to uphold professionalism and excellence, saying the competition presents an opportunity for individuals to showcase their expertise and contribute to the growth of both the tournament and their respective counties.
Serwanga made the remarks while officially closing a specialised training workshop for team doctors and media officers from all 18 Masaza teams at Bulange, Mengo, on Thursday, as preparations for the 2026 Masaza Cup tournament intensify.
“The opportunity we have this time is that whenever there is a football match, it becomes a chance for each of us to demonstrate our expertise and abilities. Everyone involved in this year’s tournament should remember that it is not only your name that will be seen by the world; people will seek you out because of the quality of work you do,” he said.
The training was organised by the Buganda Kingdom through the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Talent Development as part of ongoing preparations for the tournament, which is only days away.
The latest initiative follows earlier training programmes targeting youth personnel responsible for safety and security at match venues. Those sessions were conducted across various counties, while the Bulange workshop brought together team doctors and media officers for further capacity building.
Participants received training from various facilitators on a wide range of subjects aimed at ensuring that everyone involved in the competition executes their responsibilities professionally and effectively ahead of the new season.
Sserwanga expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation he has observed in various Masaza team camps.
He noted that every person involved in match-day operations contributes to shaping the image of the tournament, particularly among supporters who follow games through media coverage rather than attending in person.
He therefore urged officials across all departments to help create an attractive and enjoyable competition capable of drawing more spectators to stadiums.
“Whenever there is a football match, the person on the field paints a picture for the one who did not attend. We must all play our part in making the tournament attractive and appealing to the public,” he said.
Addressing media officers attached to the teams, Sserwanga urged them to keep supporters informed about developments within their respective camps while ensuring their coverage promotes and strengthens the image of the tournament.
He stressed that individuals who contribute positively to the growth of the Masaza Cup will not only elevate the competition but also help develop their counties while advancing their own professional careers.
On the medical side, Sserwanga reminded team doctors that the tournament comes at a time when the country is battling an Ebola outbreak.
He urged medical personnel to ensure that players, officials and supporters comply with guidance issued by health authorities to prevent the spread of the disease.
Serwanga also called on team doctors to prioritise player welfare, respond promptly to medical emergencies and ensure all required medical supplies and personnel are available at match venues.
The Chairman of the Masaza Cup Organising Committee, Sulaiman Ssejjengo, thanked participants for dedicating their time to the training programme and urged them to apply the knowledge they had acquired.
He also cautioned officials against actions that could tarnish the reputation of the tournament established under the patronage of the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
Ssejjengo further called upon the people of Buganda to rally behind their respective counties by supporting and motivating players throughout the competition.
The 2026 Masaza Cup tournament will be officially launched on June 10, 2026, at Bulange, Mengo, before action gets underway three days later.
The opening fixture is scheduled for June 13 in Buweekula, where defending champions Buweekula will face Kyaddondo in the curtain-raiser of one of Buganda’s most popular sporting competitions.