Bugembe, Uganda — Under the scorching heat at Kyabazinga Stadium–Bugembe, Kigulu Chiefdom reaffirmed its dominance in Busoga football, edging Luuka 1–0 to claim a record third MTN Busoga Masaza Cup title, powered by Kabode phones.
The eighth edition of the tournament drew thousands of fans who packed the stadium in full voice despite the harsh conditions. The atmosphere intensified even further when His Royal Highness William Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, arrived to a rapturous welcome, waving to supporters as he moved around the stadium. The moment symbolized unity and pride across Busoga, as football once again brought the region together.
On the pitch, both teams battled fiercely, with Luuka dominating early and creating multiple chances. Coach Abdallah Balikoowa was left frustrated as his forwards Umar Baluzimbye, Emmanuel Mugoya, and Ibra Kasakya squandered clear opportunities in the first half. Kigulu struggled to settle, particularly on the right flank where captain Sulaimane Kisubi was repeatedly troubled by the tricky Baluzimbye before being substituted.
The turning point arrived in the 62nd minute when substitute Bruhan “Tusaba” Takuba unleashed a thunderous 30-yard strike — a moment of individual brilliance that sent Kigulu supporters into wild celebration and ultimately decided the match. Luuka pressed relentlessly for an equalizer, but Kigulu’s defence, previously shaky, stood firm, absorbing pressure and repelling every attack until the final whistle.
After securing the title, Kigulu coach Eddy Kibwika credited the community for its unwavering backing throughout the campaign. He noted that the team was well supported by fans and patron Michael Lukwita Bateme and dedicated the victory to them. Balikoowa, however, expressed disappointment in his team’s inability to capitalise on their dominant early play, lamenting the many missed chances in the first half.
In the third-place playoff, Bugabula defeated Bukooli Namayingo 1–0 to earn Shs 6 million, while Bukooli Namayingo settled for Shs 4 million. Busoga Kingdom Sports Minister Amin Nkono Bbosa praised fans and officials for maintaining calm and discipline throughout the tournament, noting significant improvement compared to previous editions — progress he believes will help attract more investment from sponsors.
This year, MTN Uganda invested over Shs 550 million into the tournament. Champions Kigulu received Shs 13 million, medals, and brand-new MTN Kabode smartphones for each player, while runners-up Luuka walked away with Shs 9 million.
Past winners include Bukooli North (2016), Butembe (2017), Kigulu (2018, 2019), Bukooli Namayingo (2022), Busiki (2023), Butembe (2024), and Kigulu again in 2025. With this latest triumph, Kigulu now stand alone as the most successful team in the competition’s history with three titles, followed by Butembe with two. Both sides share the record for the most final appearances, with four each.
From the royal presence to the electric crowd and a goal worthy of a championship final, the 2025 MTN Busoga Masaza Cup delivered everything fans hoped for. Kigulu’s record-setting victory reinforced their position at the summit of Busoga football and once again demonstrated how deeply the sport unites the region.
