As the stage is set for the 8th edition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup, anticipation is building across the region—but nowhere more than in Bugabula, a county long admired for its football talent, yet still chasing a first-ever appearance in the tournament final.
With the 2025 edition just about to kick off, Bugabula finds itself in what looks like a “promising draw,” raising fresh hopes that this could finally be the year they break their semi-final curse.
Format, Hopes
This year’s format groups the 14 participating counties into four zones: Bukowe, Kagulu, Nhendha, and Mawembe.
Bugabula is placed in the Bukowe group, along with Luuka and Bukooli Bugiri. The Kagulu group features Buzaaya, Bulamogi, and Bunha. Crucially, under the 2025 knockout arrangement, only one team from Bukowe and Kagulu combined will reach the final.
The semi-final structure—pitting winners and runners-up from these two groups against each other—means Bugabula could face familiar opposition in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals. This scenario not only increases their chances of progressing but also ensures that they avoid teams that have previously knocked them out until the final stage, if at all.
The Semi-Final Wall
Bugabula’s story is not short on heartbreak. Since 2022, when the tournament resumed after the COVID-19 break, they have consistently made it to the semi-finals—only to be denied a spot in the final each time.
In 2022, it was Kigulu who ended their dream.
In 2023, it was Busiki who pulled the plug.
In 2024, it was Butembe who stood in the way.
Ironically, those three counties are now in positions where they can only face Bugabula in the final—provided they make it that far. This means Bugabula’s toughest past opponents are not in their direct knockout path this time.
A 75% Shot?
Bugabula has a 75% chance of reaching the final this year—a hopeful prediction based on their draw, past performance, and the absence of their historical semi-final blockers in early rounds.
Still, they will need to navigate a competitive field that includes Luuka, Bukooli Bugiri, Buzaaya, Bulamogi, and Bunha—all of whom are also eyeing the single final slot available to Bukowe and Kagulu teams.
Bunha has previous finals experience, while the others remain hungry and ambitious. If Bugabula is to rise above them, they will need to front a well-prepared, united, and motivated squad from day one.
The Unpredictability Factor
Recent editions of the Masaza Cup have been anything but predictable.
In 2022, Bukooli Namayingo shocked everyone to win the title.
In 2023, it was Busiki.
In 2024, Bukono joined the list of surprise final appearances.
This unpredictability gives every team—no matter how unheralded—a real shot. For Bugabula, it’s both a warning and a motivation: reputation alone won’t carry them to the final.
All Eyes on Bugabula
The tournament hasn’t started yet, but already the spotlight is fixed on Bugabula. Their consistency, strong fan base, and hunger for glory make them one of the most-watched teams of the 2025 edition.
If they seize the moment, avoid internal slip-ups, and ride the wave of opportunity that this year’s format presents, Busoga could finally see Bugabula in the Masaza Cup final—for the first time in history.
The journey begins soon.
