The 2025 MTN Busoga Masaza Cup powered by Kabode got off to a thrilling start this weekend, as former champions Busiki delivered the loudest message with a dominant 3-0 win, while defending champions Butembe were held to a frustrating draw by Kigulu.
The weekend slate saw six teams take to the field in a packed two-day opener across the Busoga sub-region, with all the ingredients of local football passion on display—tight scorelines, raucous crowds, and some early title signals.
All eyes were on the Namagera Town Council Playground in Butagaya, where defending champions Butembe couldn’t find a way past Kigulu in a tense 0-0 draw.
Butembe came close early, with Eric Kibirango forcing a fine save from Kigulu’s Joshua Musasizi just three minutes in. Nicolous Mukiibi caused problems from the wing and almost found the breakthrough in the 48th minute, only to rattle the crossbar.
Both sides scrapped hard in midfield during the second half, with Kigulu winning five corners but failing to capitalize. Coaches from both sides agreed a point apiece was fair.
“Today was a well-battled match,” said Butembe’s Isaac Kitakule. Kigulu’s Nathan Mutenza echoed the sentiment, calling it a decent start to build on.
In the other Saturday fixtures, Bugabula claimed the only win of the day with a clinical 2-0 win over Bukooli Bugiri at Hindocha Primary School.
Meanwhile, Bunha and Buzaya battled to a 0-0 draw at Buluuba Hospital grounds, with both sides showing defensive steel but little creativity in the final third.
Sunday’s standout result came from Namutumba, where 2023 champions Busiki made light work of 2022 winners Bukooli Namayingo. In front of a home crowd at Kisiki College Grounds, Busiki were sharp and ruthless.
Abdallah Kawanguzi opened the scoring with a powerful effort in the 31st minute, followed by a slick header from Lunkabire Katibu just before the break. Simon Euko added a third midway through the second half to seal a dominant display.
Busiki now sit top of the Nendha Hill Group, while Bukooli Namayingo are left reeling and bottom of the table.
In a tense affair in the Mawembe Hill Group, Bugweri edged Bunhole Bunanhumba 2-1 in Bugade. The result puts them level on points with group leaders Bukono, who had beaten Budiope 2-0 the previous weekend.
Matchday 2 Fixtures
The action continues next weekend with six matches lined up:
Saturday, July 26
- Bukooli Namayingo vs Butembe – Bukooli Primary School
- Bugweri vs Bukono – Busesa Mixed Primary School
- Kigulu vs Busiki – Saza Ground, Iganga
Sunday, July 27
- Budiope vs Bunhole Bunanhumba – Irundu
- Luuka vs Bukooli Bugiri – Busalaamu Primary School
- Bulamogi vs Bunha – Kasokwe Primary School
