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When did Buweekula win the Masaza Cup 2025?
Today, 1st November 2025, Buweekula County has etched its name in Buganda football folklore after clinching its first-ever Masaza Cup title with a narrow 1–0 win over Ssingo at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. The trophy was handed over by the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Mutebi II, in a colourful ceremony attended by Buganda Kingdom officials, fans, and dignitaries.
The winning strike came in the first half through forward Alex Talemwa. Jubilant supporters praised coach Felix Ssekabuuza with chants of “In Felix we trust!” following years of near misses in past finals.
But beyond that moment, this win is part of a larger cultural and sporting tradition — one with deep roots in Buganda, socio-cultural significance, and evolving ambitions.
How did the Masaza Cup begin and why?
The Masaza Cup is an annual football competition organised by the Buganda Kingdom. It brings together the 18 traditional counties (amasaza) of Buganda, each fielding a team representing local talent and community pride.
Founded in 2004, it has grown into one of Uganda’s biggest grassroots football tournaments. The competition format divides the 18 counties into three groups for the initial stage, followed by knockout rounds. Matches are held at various stadiums across Buganda, with finals often staged at Nakivubo War Memorial or Muteesa II Stadium.
Beyond sport, the Masaza Cup serves as a vehicle for cultural pride, youth and talent development, community unity, and local economic activity. It has become as much a cultural festival as a competitive tournament. Airtel Uganda has been a key sponsor in recent years, ensuring its sustainability and visibility.
The 2025 Edition: Key Features & New Dimensions
The 2025 tournament was officially launched on 19 June 2025 at Bulange, Mengo, marking the 21st edition since the Cup’s revival. The opening fixture took place on 21 June 2025, with defending champions Buddu taking on Gomba at Kitovu Sports Arena in Masaka.
This year’s tournament introduced several new features and developments:
- Airtel Masaza Bundles: New data and voice bundles were introduced for fans during the tournament period, emphasizing the integration of sport and digital engagement.
- Transition to Club System: Buganda Kingdom leadership announced that starting in 2026, all Masaza teams will become fully registered sports clubs to promote professionalism and long-term growth.
- Economic Impact: Each matchday attracted hundreds of service providers and thousands of spectators, highlighting the tournament’s growing socio-economic footprint.
- Return to Nakivubo: The 2025 edition marked a historic return of Masaza Cup matches to Nakivubo Stadium—now Hamz Stadium—after more than a decade, reviving the competition’s urban vibrance.
These developments reflect the modernisation of the tournament, with better governance, deeper commercial partnerships, and stronger cultural alignment than ever before.
What does this win mean for Buweekula?
For Buweekula, this victory was more than just a trophy. Having lost previous finals in 2012 and 2021, their 2025 triumph symbolises perseverance, growth, and the power of proper organisation and community backing.
Coach Felix Ssekabuuza’s leadership was hailed as the turning point for the team. His tactical discipline and motivational spirit inspired a young squad to overcome tournament favourites.
The Kabaka’s presence at the final, personally handing over the trophy, underscored the prestige of the victory and the cultural value of the Masaza Cup within the Kingdom. It also demonstrated the monarch’s continued support for youth engagement and unity through sport.
This win reshapes the historical record, as Buweekula joins a select list of counties that have lifted the prestigious title, breaking the dominance of traditional giants like Gomba and Buddu.
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 edition concluded, the Masaza Cup enters a new chapter. Stakeholders and fans alike are keenly watching:
- How the shift to registered club status will affect competitiveness, funding, and compliance with FUFA standards.
- Whether Buweekula can defend their title and sustain their momentum in future editions.
- The potential for more strategic partnerships with sponsors and broadcasters to enhance visibility.
- Infrastructure upgrades for training and match venues as the tournament continues to expand.
As the Buganda Kingdom looks to the future, the Masaza Cup remains a symbol of unity, pride, and youth empowerment—a reminder that sport, when rooted in culture and community, can build both heritage and hope.
