Defending champions Buweekula opened their 2026 Airtel Masaza Cup campaign with a frustrating goalless draw against Kyaddondo at the National Teachers College Grounds in Mubende on Saturday, extending the tournament’s long-standing resistance to successful title defences.
In front of a colourful crowd that gathered for the season opener, Buweekula struggled to break down a disciplined Kyaddondo side led by midfielder Trevor Kalule, who walked away with the Man of the Match award after an industrious display.
The stalemate immediately puts the spotlight on Buweekula’s title defence. No team has successfully retained the Masaza Cup since 2004, underlining the challenge facing Ibrahim Kyobe’s side as they seek to defy two decades of history.
Kalule shines
Although chances were limited throughout the contest, Kalule emerged as the game’s most influential player.
The midfielder repeatedly disrupted Buweekula’s attacking moves while helping Kyaddondo retain possession and launch counter-attacks whenever opportunities arose. His calmness on the ball and tactical discipline helped the visitors withstand long spells of pressure from the reigning champions.
“We came here knowing Buweekula are champions and would come at us strongly,” Kalule said.
“We followed the coach’s instructions, stayed organised and fought for every ball. Getting a point away from the champions is a good result but we believe we can do even better in the next matches.”
Champions fail to fire
Buweekula enjoyed much of the territorial advantage but rarely threatened the Kyaddondo goal.
Captain Patrick Kagulire came closest to finding a breakthrough late in the match, but his free-kick drifted wide as anxiety began to creep into the hosts’ play.
Neither goalkeeper was seriously tested in a contest dominated by tactical discipline and midfield battles rather than attacking flair.
Despite dropping points at home, Buweekula coach Kyobe remained upbeat about his team’s prospects.
“It is still a long competition and we have only played one game. We know defending this title will not be easy because every team wants to beat the champions, but we shall keep working and improving,” Kyobe said.
Several previous champions have stumbled immediately after lifting the trophy, with many failing even to emerge from the group stages the following season.
For Kyaddondo, the result felt almost as valuable as a victory.
Taking a point away from Mubende offers an early statement of intent and provides momentum ahead of the upcoming fixtures.
Fight against HIV/Aids
The match also officially launched the 2026 Airtel Masaza Cup, which is being played under the theme: “Men Must Take the Lead in the Fight against HIV/AIDS to Save the Girl Child.”
The Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga, praised the competition for promoting unity and community development across the kingdom.
‘As you are aware, His Majesty the Kabaka is a Goodwill Ambassador in the fight against HIV/Aids. Through football and other sporting activities, we are able to mobilise communities and spread important health messages that improve lives,’ he said.
Airtel Uganda Sales Director Ali Balunywa hailed the tournament’s continued impact both on and off the field.
‘Through initiatives aligned with this tournament, Airtel remains committed to creating pathways, whether through connectivity, digital tools, or direct support, that give young Ugandans a genuine shot at a better future.’ Balunywa said.
Action continues this weekend with a full round of nine fixtures.
Airtel Masaza Cup
Opening Day Result