By Daniel Muwonge
Ngabi Nsamba successfully defended their Bika Bya Baganda Football Championship title after edging past Ndiga 6-5 in a tense post-match penalty shootout at Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The final ended 2-2 in regular time before being settled from the spot.
It was a dramatic finale between two of the competition’s strongest teams, with the match swinging in both directions before being decided by the narrowest of margins.
Victory earned Ngabi Nsamba their sixth title in the tournament’s history, adding to previous wins in 1951, 1987, 2007, 2013, and 2024.
Ndiga’s Reagan Mpande, who was later named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, scored both goals for his side during normal time. His opener came just four minutes in, beating goalkeeper Hassan Matovu with a low strike at the near post.
Ngabi Nsamba equalized five minutes into the second half through a well-struck free-kick by veteran winger Sula “Malouda” Matovu. Substitute Steven Yiga later gave Ngabi Nsamba the lead, only for Mpande to respond almost immediately with his second to make it 2-2.
In the shootout, Ngabi Nsamba held their nerve as Musa Mulindwa, Richard Matovu, Allan Bukenya, captain Viane Ssekajugo, Junior Kikambi, and Najib Yiga all converted their penalties. For Ndiga, Ibrahim Bbossa, Mpande, Denis Kisiriko Luzige, Umar Lutalo, and Dan Sserunkuma scored, but Issa Lumu’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Matovu, handing Ngabi Nsamba the win.
Ngabi Nsamba took home a cash prize of UGX 9 million, while runners-up Ndiga earned UGX 7 million. In the third-place playoff, Nsenene beat Kkobe 1-0 thanks to a 40th-minute strike by Brian Masembe, securing the bronze medal and UGX 5 million in prize money.
Individual awards were also handed out, with Mpande (Ndiga) named MVP, Elias Kiyimba (Kasimba) finishing as top scorer with five goals, and Henry Mwebe (Nsenene) voted best goalkeeper.
