Africa-Press – Uganda. Bukono made a commanding statement in the opening fixture of the 8th edition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup, defeating hosts Budiope 2-0 in front of a massive crowd at Irundu Primary School Grounds in Buyende District.
The highly anticipated clash was graced by the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, who attended as Chief Guest.
The match also attracted a high-profile lineup of dignitaries, including FUFA President and Budiope East MP Moses Magogo, Uganda Cranes legend and Mamelodi Sundowns captain Denis Onyango, Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Second Deputy Prime Minister Alhaji Osman Noor, and senior executives from MTN Uganda—the tournament’s lead sponsor.
After a cagey and goalless first half, Bukono drew first blood in the 61st minute through Emmanuel Nabola, sending shockwaves through the home crowd.
Budiope responded by throwing numbers forward in search of an equalizer, but it was Bukono who capitalized again deep into stoppage time. Substitute Abel Muwola calmly slotted home the second to seal a dramatic and well-deserved victory for the visitors.
The win gives Bukono early momentum in this year’s competition, which has grown to become one of the most prestigious and well-funded grassroots football tournaments in the country. Backed by a Shs 500 million sponsorship package from MTN Uganda, the 2025 Masaza Cup is drawing record crowds and nationwide attention.
But the tournament is about more than just football. In collaboration with Busoga Kingdom, MTN Uganda is using the platform to drive social change through a campaign dubbed “Abasadha n’Empango”, loosely translated as “Men Are the Pillars”.
The campaign aims to tackle teenage pregnancies and early marriages by engaging men in reproductive health and gender responsibility discussions during halftime sessions at match venues.
Led by the Kyabazinga himself, recently appointed a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, the initiative will see participants answer themed questions for a chance to win Kabode smartphones, courtesy of MTN Uganda.
With the group stage now underway, attention turns to the next round of fixtures across the 11 Masaza (counties) of Busoga, where teams will battle for pride, glory, and a place in the knockout stages.
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