There was drama in Irundu on Sunday, September 21, 2025, when Budiope FC failed to turn up for their much-anticipated Busoga Masaza Cup group game against Bugweri.
According to Budiope FC media officer, Waiswa Baz, the team’s absence was not out of lost hope but rather financial constraints. He revealed that the club could not raise money to bring players back to camp, with many of their traditional supporters keeping away for political reasons. He added that divisions between Budiope East and Budiope West further weakened the team’s organization.
“Our funders abandoned us to the extent that we couldn’t even honour our last home game. As Budiope, we lack the spirit of sportmanship. We wouldn’t have avoided the game against Bugweri if it was not for the lack of resources,” Waiswa told Busoga times.
The development saw visitors Bugweri awarded three points and three goals, which pushed them to the top of Mawembe group with 13 points. Bukono, who were held to a goalless draw by Bunhole Bunhanumba in Bugadde, followed in second place with 11 points.
Busoga Masaza Cup spokesperson David Mwesigwa confirmed that Bugweri had indeed travelled to Irundu but found the hosts missing, describing the incident as a disciplinary matter.
“We shall investigate to establish exactly what happened. If we discover that Budiope acted unsportingly, there will be a punishment”, Mwesigwa said
He further revealed that only two group games remain before the tournament heads into the knockout stages. Luuka will face Bugabula on Wednesday, both already assured of quarterfinal slots, while Buzaya take on Bulamoogi on Thursday in a decider for the last available place.
The quarterfinals are set for October 4–5 at a venue yet to be confirmed. Bugweri will meet Bukooli Namayingo, Bukono will face Kigulu, while Bunha is expected to take on either Luuka or Bugabula. The final pairing will be determined after the Buzaya–Bulamoogi clash.
Interestingly, this is not the first time the Irundu ground has hosted such controversy. In last year’s edition, Bugweri also failed to honour a rematch ordered by the Tournament Organising Committee after an abandoned fixture against Budiope at the same venue.
