The 2026 Masaza Cup officially kicked off on Saturday at Mubende National Teachers’ College in Buweekula Ssaza, with defending champions Buweekula and Kyaddondo playing out a goalless draw in the tournament’s opening match.
The highly attended opening fixture brought together football fans from across Buganda, cultural leaders, sponsors, local leaders and football stakeholders in a colourful celebration of sport, unity and community pride. The match was graced by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, who represented His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
Although both teams failed to find the back of the net, the match delivered a competitive display, with Kyaddondo enjoying the stronger start in the first half while Buweekula grew into the game after the break. Kyaddondo captain Trevor Kalule was named Man of the Match for his composed leadership, defensive command and timely clearances throughout the contest.
Speaking at the opening match, the Katikkiro commended the quality of football and discipline exhibited by both teams and fans, noting that the level of competition in the Buganda Masaza Cup continues to rise each year. He also highlighted the tournament’s growing impact on Ugandan football, citing recent examples of players who have progressed from the Masaza Cup to shine at national club level.
As one of the key sponsors of the tournament, Plascon Uganda reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting the Buganda Masaza Cup, now marking its fourth year of sponsorship. Plascon’s involvement in the tournament forms part of the brand’s wider contribution to sports development, cultural pride and community engagement across Uganda.
Daniel Kayongo, Plascon’s Head of Marketing noted that the Masaza Cup remains one of the most powerful platforms for nurturing local football talent, bringing communities together and celebrating the spirit of Buganda. He said Plascon is proud to continue standing with the tournament because it represents the same values the brand champions through its Twaake initiative: unity, passion, resilience and support for Ugandan sport.
He further highlighted Plascon’s sponsorship of Buddu FC, one of the 18 teams taking part in the Masaza Cup, as another demonstration of the brand’s direct investment in grassroots football. He noted that Buddu’s participation continues to give Plascon an opportunity to connect more deeply with fans, players and communities through football.
He also thanked the fans who travelled in large numbers to Mubende to support their teams, applauding their passion, colour and discipline throughout the opening fixture. The energy from the fans continues to make the Masaza Cup one of the most vibrant and culturally significant football competitions in the country.
Buweekula, who lifted the 2025 Masaza Cup title, are drawn in the Bulange Group alongside Kyaddondo, Buddu, Busujju, Buluuli and Buvuma. The tournament is sponsored by Airtel Uganda, Plascon Uganda, Centenary Bank, UNAIDS and Pilsner King.
The Buganda Masaza Cup continues to serve as a major platform for identifying and developing football talent, while strengthening community identity and cultural pride across the Kingdom.
