Kasana Grounds, Luweero District – In a thrilling start to the 20th Edition of the Airtel Masaza Cup, Buluuli County edged out defending champions Bulemeezi with a 1-0 win in an electrifying match held at Kasana Grounds. The tournament, officiated by the Katikiro of Buganda, Oweek. Charles Peter Mayiga, promises an exciting season of football as 18 counties of the Buganda Kingdom vie for glory.
The counties are divided into three groups:
- Muganzirwazza Group: Kyaggwe, Gomba, Kooki, Mawogola, and Ssingo
- Masengere Group: Busiro, Buvuma, Mawokota, Busujju, Ssese, and Kabula
- Bulange Group: Buddu, Bulemeezi, Butambala, Bugerere, and Kyaddondo
Ali Balunywa, Airtel Uganda’s Sales & Distribution Director, expressed his delight at the match’s quality and the enthusiastic turnout of fans.
“I am pleased to see the quality of the game showcased today and the magnitude of supporters who have come out to support their counties as we open the 2024 Airtel Masaza Cup tournament. The tournament is a vital part of our community engagement, bringing together fans and players in the spirit of sportsmanship and unity,” he stated.
Balunywa emphasized the significance of Airtel’s partnership with the Buganda Kingdom in reaching out to the communities they serve.
“Our partnership with the Buganda Kingdom has enabled us to reach the touchpoints of the communities we serve. Through this, we have been engaged in initiatives that empower our people, especially the youth, giving them a reason to imagine. We promise to constantly support such initiatives where talent is nurtured, as well as empowering the youth to use the platform to become the best talent in the football world or any other field they are passionate about,” he added.
The Masaza Cup, introduced in 2004 by the Buganda Kingdom, aims to groom talent among youth across the different counties of the Buganda Kingdom and surrounding regions. The tournament has produced football talents who have gone on to represent Uganda on national and international stages, including players like Fahad Bayo (Ssingo), Abdu Azziizi, and Halid Lwaliwa (Mawokota).
The Katikiro of Buganda, Oweek. Charles Peter Mayiga, commended Airtel Uganda for their continued support of the Kingdom’s activities, including the Masaza Cup.
“Airtel Uganda has always extended support towards the Kingdom’s activities, including the Masaza Cup. This has helped us in the preparations over the years, enabling us to consistently host the tournaments, and I want to appreciate them for their commitment to corporate social initiatives that improve the talents of the youth and the livelihoods of our people in general,” he remarked.
Balunywa concluded by reaffirming Airtel Uganda’s commitment to youth empowerment and community engagement.
“Our brand promise as Airtel Uganda is to give the youth a reason to imagine, and we will always participate in activities like Masaza Cup that enable us to fulfill our commitment. We are involved in various initiatives in education, entertainment, agriculture, and health, which positively impact our communities and the country as a whole.”
The tournament, set to run from late June to September 2024, guarantees an action-packed season as supporters cheer on their respective teams. The next games are scheduled for June 29, 2024, with Buvuma facing Mawokota and Butambala taking on Buddu.
