Buddu started their title defence with a win, when they beat Gomba in the opening match of the 2025 Airtel Masaza Cup, played at a packed Kitovu Sports Arena in Masaka.
The decisive moment came in the 83rd minute when Chrispus Sseruwugge struck the only goal of the game, handing Buddu a vital win against their long-time rivals in a tightly contested match that was watched by thousands of enthusiastic fans.
Godfrey Kidega capitalised on a defensive error by Gomba to set up Sseruwugge who calmly slotted the ball in the back of the net settle matters at Kitovu.
Sseruwugge was named man of the match, and the accolade was presented to him by the Katikkiro of Buganda.
The opening match attracted dignitaries, sponsors, and traditional leaders, including the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, who officially launched the tournament.
He praised the fans for their excellent discipline and noted that the peaceful atmosphere marked a significant step in the development of football in Buganda.
“Today, football has won because the turn-up has been very impressive. There was no crowd violence. People were happy. That’s what we want to see. That’s how we shall nurture talent. That’s how we shall develop football. If football wins, everyone will be happy," Katikkiro said.
He also called on players to improve finishing quality, pointing out that both teams lacked sharpness in front of goal during the first half.
“The quality of players has been good, although I hope the strikers will be sharpened a bit more,” he added.
"I also want to extend our gratitude to sponsors like Airtel Uganda who have always extended support towards the Buganda Kingdom's initiatives that touch the heartbeat of our people and support their well-being. This partnership has helped us in our preparations over the years, enabling us to consistently host these tournaments and I want to appreciate them for their commitment to corporate social initiatives that improve the talents of the youth and the livelihoods of our people in general,"Mayiga added.
The event also served as a platform for Airtel Uganda, the tournament’s premium sponsor, to unveil a new fan-centered digital initiative.
Speaking after the match, Ali Balunywa, Airtel Uganda’s Sales and Distribution Director, highlighted improvements in the competition and introduced the Masaza Bundles, a new product designed to enhance the viewing experience for fans across the country.
“The quality of the game has significantly improved. Buddu and Gomba demonstrated very good skill, and we are grateful to the fans,” Balunywa said.
"To enhance the experience of fans during this tournament, we are excited to announce the launch of our new Airtel Masaza Cup bundles. These new bundles are designed to offer comprehensive connectivity, including data, SMS, on-net minutes for Airtel-to-Airtel calls, and all-net minutes that can be used to call any network in Uganda. All bundles are valid for 30 days from the time of purchase and they are active starting today, 21st June 2025. "
The win marks Buddu's first-ever victory over Gomba at their home ground in Masaka, making the result even more historic.
The lively crowd included fans from both counties, Ssaza chiefs, and major sponsors, creating an electric yet peaceful atmosphere that set the tone for what promises to be a competitive and disciplined tournament as the Sports Minister in Buganda, Robert Sserwanga said.
"We've witnessed the opener of Masaza where we've seen very man talents being displayed here. We see that in the 2025 Airtel Masaza Cup tournament, the preparations are high, technically good, very many skills are in here," he said.
He urged fans to avoid reckless driving as they travel to support their Masaza teams and also as they return home.
He further called on supporters to continue offering positive and passionate support to their respective teams throughout the tournament.