By Musa Kikuuno
The 7th edition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup concluded in spectacular fashion on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe.
The thrilling final match, which kicked off at 3:00 PM, was graced by His Royal Highness, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV.
The Kyabazinga was joined by a host of dignitaries, including the Katukiro of Busoga, Owek. Joseph Muvawala Nsekere, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Busoga, Owek. Prof. Dr. Muhammed Lubega Kisambira, and the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Owek. Noor Ousman Ahmed.
Other notable attendees included the Busoga Kingdom Minister of Sports, Owek. Amin Bossa Nkono, the Minister for Kyabazinga Affairs, Owek. Babirye Yudaya, and Hon. Naigaga Mariam, Member of Parliament for Namutumba District.
Sports enthusiasts were also thrilled by the presence of Uganda Cranes head coach Joseph Paul Put and his assistant, Sam Simbwa Bamweyana.
In front of a packed Kyabazinga Stadium, Butembe County emerged victorious, defeating Bukono County 1-0.
The lone goal of the match came in the 7th minute, courtesy of an impressive strike by Ivan Nakalanga, sealing Butembe’s second Masaza Cup title.
This victory places Butembe on par with Kigulu, both counties having won the prestigious trophy twice. Butembe’s first triumph came in 2017, when they defeated Bunha on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
A Historic Streak Continues
This year’s victory also extended a unique pattern in the tournament’s history: any county that eliminates Bugabula in the semifinals goes on to win the title.
In 2022, Bukholi-Namayingo eliminated Bugabula and later clinched the championship by defeating Kigulu 1-0. Similarly, in 2023, Busiki ousted Bugabula and secured the title with a 1-0 victory over Butembe.
The 2024 edition followed suit, with Butembe knocking out Bugabula in the semifinals before claiming the title against Bukono.
Prizes and Recognitions
The champions, Butembe, received a cash prize of UGX 13 million, while Bukono, the runners-up, walked away with UGX 9 million. Bugabula, who finished third, took home UGX 6 million, and Buzaya, in fourth place, received UGX 4 million.
Individual accolades were also awarded: Goalkeeper of the Tournament – Kaduyu Paddy (Buzaya)
Top Scorer – Ibrahim Musisi Kazindula (Bugabula) with 7 goals, was presented with a new ball.
Best Coach: Amadoi Martin (Bukono)
Team of the Tournament: Bukono
Friendly Match Ends in a Draw
Adding to the day’s excitement, the Uganda Cranes Select team played a friendly match against Eastern Select at the same venue.
The game ended in a goalless draw, serving as a warm-up for the Uganda Cranes ahead of the upcoming CHAN tournament.
Looking Back on a Memorable Tournament
The Busoga Masaza Cup has continued to strengthen unity and sportsmanship across the Busoga region, and the 2024 edition was no exception.
The event was not only a celebration of football but also a testament to the cultural pride of the people of Busoga.
Congratulations to Butembe for a well-deserved victory as they etch their name once again in the history books of this prestigious tournament.
