Sports 13 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Masaza Cup 2026 Kicks Off with Buweekula vs. Kyaddondo
The highly anticipated Masaza Cup football tournament, sponsored by Airtel Uganda, returns for its 2026 season, beginning with a match between reigning champions Buweekula and former winners Kyaddondo. The tournament aims to foster unity, develop talent, and promote social impact across Buganda Kingdom. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/buweekula-kyaddondo-kick-off-new-masaza-cup-campaign-5494914
Buganda’s premier football competition, the Airtel Masaza Cup, is set to launch its 2026 season with a clash between defending champions Buweekula and the formidable Kyaddondo. The opening fixture will take place at Mubende NTC this Saturday, marking the beginning of a tournament that is scheduled to run through October and will feature a total of 104 matches across the kingdom.
Airtel Uganda, through its Managing Director and CEO Soumendra Sahu, has once again reaffirmed its commitment to the tournament, highlighting its crucial role in nurturing football talent and driving social change. Sahu emphasized that the Masaza Cup has evolved beyond a sporting event into a significant platform for social impact initiatives, including HIV/AIDS awareness and community outreach.
Buganda’s Prime Minister, Charles Peter Mayiga, officially handed over team uniforms and competition rules at Bulange Gardens. He urged participating counties to prioritize unity and fair play, cautioning against boardroom decisions influencing match outcomes. The organizers have invested significantly in the tournament’s administration and safety protocols. This includes training for team managers, media personnel, and medical staff, alongside an expanded team of 540 stewards for enhanced pitch management.
Last year’s edition saw a remarkable turnout, with over 385,000 spectators and more than 10 million social media engagements, according to Buganda Minister of Youth, Sports and the Arts, Robert Sserwanga. This growth underscores the tournament’s expanding reach and influence.
Buweekula is confident in their ability to defend their title, with coach Ibrahim Kyobe expressing optimism about the squad’s potential. Meanwhile, Kyaddondo, aiming to reclaim glory last achieved in 2008, is rallying their supporters for the season ahead. The tournament’s sponsors for this year include Airtel, Centenary Bank, Nirvana, UNAIDS, Uganda Aids Commission, and Plascon.
This exciting season promises to showcase the best of Buganda’s footballing talent while continuing its tradition of community engagement and social responsibility. The full list of groups for the Masaza Cup 2026 are: Masengere (Kyaggwe, Mawokota, Bulemeezi, Gomba, Ssese, Busiro), Bulange (Buweekula, Buluuli, Busujju, Kyaddondo, Buddu, Buvuma), and Muganzirwazza (Ssingo, Bugerere, Kooki, Kabula, Butambala, Mawogola).