KYABAZINGA OFFICIALLY KICKS OFF MTN-BUSOGA MASAZA FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT 2026

The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV on Saturday, August 15th, 2026, officially kicked off the first match of the 9th edition of the MTN-Busoga Masaza Cup football tournament 2026. The match was between Bugweri FC and 2023 champions Busiki FC at Namutumba district headquarter ground. Fourteen teams are competing in the edition. The Kyabazinga arrived at the playground at around 3:00 pm with his convoy and accompanied by the Katuukiro of Busoga Owek. Dr. Joseph Muvawala, second deputy Katuukiro Owek. Alhaj Osman Ahmed Noor, Isabalangira (Chief Prince) of Busoga Samuel Zirabamuzale and MTN Uganda’s Regional Business Manager Allan Njagala. He planted a tree at the district headquarters before heading to the playground. A few minutes after arrival, the Kyabazinga moved out of his vehicle and was guided by Muvawala, Osman, the Minister of Sports in OBB Amin Bbosa and the Kyabazinga Affairs Minister Owek. Yudaya Babirye to walk around the playground as he waved to a mammoth crowd that had turned up to watch the opening game. He also inspected both teams and later kicked the ball to commence the edition. On the sidelines, after the first half, Muvawala said that with support from partners like MTN Uganda, OBB is able to develop the talent of young people through the Masaza Cup, and recognized their continued contribution among other activities they participate in that are organized by the Kingdom. He asked participating teams to exhibit discipline throughout the tournament with emphasis on promoting unity and togetherness for the good of Busoga. Present at the opening ceremony were Kingdom officials led by Isabalangira of Busoga Samuel Nkuutu Zirabamuzale, OBB Ministers, MPs who included Hussein Muyonjo a.k.a Swengere (Jinja North), Stella Maris Nankwanga (Bugweri WMP), Joel Azalwa (Busiki County), and Jamal Ayagalaki (Bukooli County North). Members of Parliament who attended cautioned Men and Young boys to desist from making young girls pregnant and urged them to engage in the Kyabazinga Initiatives Abasadha N'empango programme to end teenage pregnancy in Busoga. This year's edition is running under the theme "Abasadha N’empango mukukomya Ekifuna Mabunda mu Baana Abato.” During play, the first half ended in a goalless draw. In the second half, Ali Kiyemba scored the only goal of the day thereby sending their enthusiastic fans into endless jubilations. Bugweri won the game after beating Busiki 1-0.