Buddu and Gomba will on Saturday, June, 21 kickoff this year’s Airtel Buganda Masaza Cup in Masaka, officials have said.
The biggest tournament in Buganda Kingdom will be returning for its 21st edition with Qi Sports as the official kit partners .
Speaking during the launch of this year’s tournament, Buganda Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga underscored the role of sports in the development of any country.
“Sports are not simply for the enjoyment one receives on the pitch but benefits are immense. It offers employment, builds the body and soul of the participants, bridges gaps and strengthens unity but also raises a lot of funds for individual personalities and for government through tax revenue. These are the benefits that Masaza Cup brings,” Mayiga said.
“Generally sports builds nations.”
He however decried the lack of enough sports grounds in the country, noting that this partly has contributed to decline in sporting talent, specially football in the country.
The katikkiro said Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi has issued a directive, turning every Masaza Cup into a football club to ensure they compete in the different football competitions.
“This will start next year, 2026 to ensure that the Masaza Cup teams turn into football clubs.”
He however urged all stakeholders to participate in the tournament with honesty and discipline, and to avoid the use of witchcraft in order to ensure the growth and success of the sport
The Buganda Masaza Cup mainly bankrolled by telecom giants Airtel Uganda is an annual football tournament organized by the Buganda Kingdom for teams representing the 18 traditional counties (Masaza) for the kingdom.
The tournament is a cultural and sporting event that aims to promote unity, develop young talent, and celebrate the heritage of the Buganda Kingdom.
Speaking during the launch, Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Soumendra Sahu said the company will continue supporting Buganda Kingdom activities as they have done for many years to promote the country’s football talents.
“We are honoured to continue this partnership which celebrates unity, heritage and sporting excellence. The investment in this tournament is important for improving Uganda’s football talents and helping in behaviour change in regards HIV fight,” Sahu said.
He also used this opportunity to announce the launch of a Masaza Cup bundles for Airtel customers that can enable customers stay connected with minutes and data throughout the tournament.
The chairman of the Airtel Buganda Masaza Cup, Suleiman Ssejjengo said each matchday gives direct employment to at least 4,500 individuals across Buganda.
He said this year’s tournament will have 104 matches to be played on 16 matchdays between June, 21 and November, 1 when finals will be played.