Bukooli Namayingo and Bunha made winning starts to their MTN Busoga Masaza Cup campaigns on Sunday, while Bukono and Budiope played out a goalless draw in Saturday’s opening fixture.
The weekend produced three competitive encounters across the Nendha and Bukowe Hill groups, with Bukooli Namayingo claiming bragging rights against neighbours Bukooli Bugiri, Bunha edging Bugabula and Bukono being held by Budiope in a tightly contested clash at Ivukula.
Bukono 0-0 Budiope
Despite the dusty roads leading to Ivukula Subcounty Playground, thousands of passionate fans turned up to watch Bukowe Hill Group underdogs Bukono and Budiope battle to a goalless draw.
The result was a different outcome from last season’s opener between the two sides at Irundu, where Bukono won 2-0. Changes to both coaching staffs and playing squads, however, contributed to a much-improved Budiope performance.
The introduction of former Bugabula trio coach Ronald Lukungu and defensive pair David Balondemu and Joel Kitimbo helped shift the balance of the contest, although Bukono created the greater share of chances in the first half.
Emmanuel Nabola, Jordan Amanya and Bruno Egesa pulled the strings from midfield, with their long-range efforts repeatedly going over the bar. Bukono’s best opportunity arrived after 37 minutes when Nabola danced past the entire Budiope backline, only for goalkeeper Arafat Billy to tip his effort over.
Budiope responded strongly after the interval following coach Lukungu’s half-time team talk. Arshraf Isanga, Aaron Birikadde and Man of the Match Joel Waisswa created a series of opportunities as the visitors began to find more space.
Waisswa could have won the match on four occasions in the second half, but Bukono goalkeeper Kenneth Wanyamba repeatedly came to his side’s rescue with point-blank saves.
Bukono coach Farouk Kiige admitted his side had underestimated their opponents but was pleased with the point.
“It’s not good to undermine your opponent especially after not knowing how well prepared they were, something that really affected our result. But I’m happy that our players gave their best to save for a point. Thank you MTN Uganda for enabling us all to reach our potential to unearth some of the unseen talented young players.”
Budiope coach Lukungu felt his team could have taken all three points.
“We failed to capitalise on our chances in second half just because we were unlucky but we will build on this vital away point to achieve 3 points next Saturday when we host Bunha.”
Budiope’s Waisswa was named Man of the Match and received a UGX 200,000 mobile money cash prize from MTN, while Bukono’s Samuel Timungu, who finished second, received UGX 100,000.
The result left Bunha at the top of the Bukowe Hill Group after Sunday’s victory, with both Budiope and Bukono on one point and Bugabula yet to collect a point.
Bukooli Namayingo 2-0 Bukooli Bugiri
At Namayingo Primary School, Bukooli Namayingo earned local bragging rights with a 2-0 victory over arch-neighbours Bukooli Bugiri in a fiercely contested Bugiri derby.
Joseph Sida delivered a Man of the Match performance, scoring one and creating another as Namayingo secured three points and moved to the top of the Nendha Hill Group on goal difference.
Eric Odiambo opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after Nalugoda Yona released him inside the box. Odiambo kept his composure to finish into the bottom right corner and give the hosts a deserved lead.
Bukooli Bugiri responded with a change in the 43rd minute, bringing on Maganda Dan for Mulumba Joel. The substitution helped inject more energy into the visitors, who finished the first half strongly.
Namayingo coach Were Yasin then made his own changes in the 70th minute, withdrawing captain Nalugoda Yona for Ochieng Derrick and goalscorer Odiambo Eric for Sanya Vincent.
Bugiri continued to press and came close to an equaliser in the 84th minute. Isa Mugoya Gayanda’s drop fell to an unmarked Sishisha Simon, but his effort went straight at Namayingo goalkeeper Bwire Sidagaya.
The hosts eventually punished Bugiri’s attacking pressure on the counter in the 87th minute. A loose ball was not dealt with by the Bugiri defence and Sida Joseph pounced with a long-range thunderbolt to seal the 2-0 win.
“We worked together as a team and all my players knew what kind of result we wanted from this match,” said Namayingo coach Were Yasin.
Explaining his decision to withdraw his captain and goalscorer, Yasin added:
“The game was of high intensity and just like any other person, my players get tired. All my players are almost at the same level and so I see no problem in bringing in some fresh legs to keep the team firing.”
Bugiri coach Kibogo Afan felt his side had been unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet.
“We tried our best but couldn’t get the ball across the line. Most of my players are young and at a certain time they gave a lot of respect to the opponent. When I realized that, I made some changes and you saw how we had a better second half.”
Sida was named Man of the Match, beating Bukooli Bugiri’s Upendo Benjamin, who finished runner-up. The pair received UGX 200,000 and UGX 100,000 respectively courtesy of MTN.
The victory puts Bukooli Namayingo level on three points with Bugweri, who defeated 2024 winners Busiki 1-0 at Kaiti Primary School, but Namayingo lead the group on goal difference. Busiki and Bukooli Bugiri are yet to collect a point.
Bunha 1-0 Bugabula
At Wembly Playground in Mayuge, Bunha assumed early control of the Bukowe Hill Group with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bugabula.
Augustine Mikanza struck in the second minute to give Bunha the lead, and that early goal proved decisive as they held on for all three points.
The victory puts Bunha top of the group with three points, ahead of Budiope and Bukono on one point each, while Bugabula sit bottom without a point.
The weekend results have set up another round of intriguing fixtures, with action resuming on Wednesday, 26 August when three-time winners Kigulu host two-time champions Butembe at Iganga Ssaza Ground at 4:00pm.
The two most successful teams in the tournament will meet in a Mawembe Hill preliminary match, before Luuka and Buzaya face off on Thursday in a Kagulu Hill Group fixture at Busalamu Primary School Playground.
