Busoga Kingdom has officially launched the ninth edition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup, with title sponsor MTN Uganda committing Shs550 million to bankroll this year's tournament and its community outreach activities.
The colourful launch was held at the Busoga Kingdom headquarters in Jinja City and brought together kingdom officials, MTN representatives, sports administrators and cultural leaders.
Busoga Kingdom's Second Deputy Prime Minister, Owek. Alhaj Osman Ahmed Noor, announced that the tournament will officially kick off on August 15, 2026, with Busiki hosting Bugweri at Namutumba District Headquarters Grounds. The opening match will be presided over by the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV.
Osman thanked MTN Uganda for its continued partnership, describing the telecommunications company as a key driver of the tournament's success over the years.
He urged the people of Busoga to support MTN's products and services in appreciation of the company's investment in youth development and sport.
The launch was attended by Busoga Kingdom Minister for Sports Amin Bbosa, his deputy Daniel Musota and officials from the Kyabazinga Initiatives led by Executive Director Owek. Yudaya Babirye.
This year's tournament will be played under the theme, "Abasadha N'empango mu Kukomya Ekifuna Mabunda mu Baana Abato" (Men are the pillars in the fight against teenage pregnancy).
Osman said the tournament has evolved beyond football into a platform for community mobilisation and supports the Kyabazinga's campaign against teenage pregnancy in his role as a Goodwill Ambassador.
He praised players, team managers and organisers for raising the tournament's standards during last year's competition and commended the media for promoting the event.
"We must encourage the youth to showcase their talent in uniting the people through sports," Osman said.
A total of 14 teams will compete for this year's title, with the champions set to receive Shs13 million. The runners-up will earn Shs9 million, while the third- and fourth-placed teams will take home Shs6 million and Shs4 million respectively.
Representing MTN Uganda, Sponsorship Officer John Paul Okwir, accompanied by Regional Business Manager Moses Oburu, reaffirmed the company's commitment to the tournament and its partnership with Obwakyabazinga bwa Busoga.
Okwir said MTN will reward two players of the match in every fixture, alongside lucky vendors and fans through pitch-side raffle draws. Fans will also stand a chance to win prizes by participating in the half-time "Abasadha N'empango" quiz sessions.
Busoga Kingdom Sports Minister Amin Bbosa called on players, coaches and technical teams to uphold discipline throughout the competition to preserve the tournament's reputation.
The 14 participating teams are Kigulu, Bulamogi, Bukono, Bugweri, Bukooli Namayingo, Budiope, Bunha, Bunhole Bunanhumba, Butembe, Bukooli Bugiri, Buzaya, Bugabula, Busiki and Luuka.
