Reigning Airtel Masaza Cup champions Buweekula will begin the defence of their title against former champions Kyaddondo on Saturday at Mubende NTC as Buganda’s flagship football tournament kicks off its 2026 season.
The opener launches a campaign expected to run through October and feature 104 matches across the kingdom.
At the official handover of team uniforms and competition rules at Bulange Gardens, Buganda Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga urged counties to embrace unity and fair competition.
“Football brings that unity. When we are together no one can defeat us. But I call upon organisers to exercise integrity. We don’t want boardroom wins this season,” Mayiga said.
The tournament has invested heavily in administration and safety, with team managers trained in football administration, media personnel prepared for competition coverage and medical staff receiving refresher courses. Organisers also trained an additional 540 stewards for pitch management, bringing the event’s operational workforce to unprecedented levels.
Airtel renews commitment
At the launch, Airtel Uganda Managing Director and CEO Soumendra Sahu reaffirmed the telecom’s long-standing support for the tournament, describing it as a key platform for talent development and social impact.
He praised the Kingdom leadership for sustaining grassroots football structures that continue to nurture young players and unite communities.
Sahu said the tournament had evolved beyond sport into a platform for driving social change through initiatives such as HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns and community outreach programmes.
‘We are honoured to continue this partnership, which drives football development while uniting communities around meaningful social impact. The tournament has grown into a powerful platform for positive behavioural change, using the game to champion HIV/AIDS awareness, the Emmwanyi Terimba campaign, and other community programmes that are improving lives and strengthening social wellbeing across the kingdom,’ Sahu said.
Airtel has remained a consistent supporter of Kingdom initiatives including the Kabaka Birthday Run, Bika Tournament, coronation events and the Masaza Cup.
He said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to service, unity and youth development, urging the public to continue supporting Airtel in return.
Growing
Buganda Minister of Youth, Sports and the Arts Robert Sserwanga said the 2025 edition attracted more than 385,000 spectators and generated over 10 million social media engagements.
“Our calendar starts from Gombolola competitions and schools as well as the Masaza Cup. We are starting a journey of 104 games until October,” Sserwanga said.
Masaza Committee chairman Ronald Mulondo said county leaders are committed to a smooth competition after the controversy that followed last season’s third-place play-off.
“All counties are ready to compete, but we must follow the kingdom’s pillars above our loyalties. The Masaza Cup helps raise issues of federalism and nurture talent,” Mulondo said.
Champions confident
Buweekula coach Ibrahim Kyobe, formerly assistant to title-winning coach Felix, is backing his team to repeat last season’s success.
“We want to defy the odds and defend our trophy. We have added hungry players,” Kyobe said.
Among Buweekula’s attacking options are Peter Ssemyalo, Martin Seguya, Fred Tumwesigye and Charles Musisi, while key returning players include Patrick Kagulire, Shafiq Ssali, Brian Muwayire and Eliezer Feni.
But Kyaddondo captain Trevor Kalule said his side is targeting a return to glory after last winning the trophy in 2008.
“We expect good results and need our fans to back us,” Kalule said.
This year’s sponsors include Airtel, Centenary Bank, Nirvana, UNAIDS, Uganda Aids Commission and Plascon.
Airtel Masaza Cup
Opening fixture
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Buweekula vs Kyaddondo
Mubende NTC, 3pm
Groups
Masengere: Kyaggwe, Mawokota, Bulemeezi, Gomba, Ssese, Busiro
Bulange: Buweekula, Buluuli, Busujju, Kyaddondo, Buddu, Buvuma
Muganzirwazza: Ssingo, Bugerere, Kooki, Kabula, Butambala, Mawogola