Buddu Kicks Off With a 1-0 Win Over Gomba in an Electrifying Airtel Masaza Cup 2025 Opener

Defending champions Buddu began their title defense on a high, securing a 1-0win over archrivals Gomba in an electrifying Airtel Masaza Cup 2025 opener held today at the Buddu home ground in Masaka. The 21^st edition of the Airtel Masaza Cup was officiated by the Katikiro of Buganda, Oweek. Charles Peter Mayiga.

Buddu took the lead in the 83rd minute with a clinical finish from striker Chrispus Sseruwunge, following a well-placed assist by Geoffrey Kidega. Kidega capitalized on a defensive error and set up Sseruwunge, who calmly slotted the ball past Gomba’s goalkeeper, sending the crowd into a frenzy of cheers and celebration. Sseruwunge’s outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award. The match was marked by fluid attacking play, solid defensive organization, and an electric atmosphere, with the passionate fans keeping the energy high from start to finish

Commenting on the first game as the tournament premium sponsors, Airtel Uganda’s sales and distribution Director Ali Balunywa, said, “I am pleased to see the exceptional quality of the game showcased today and the incredible showcase of talent from both Buddu and Gomba teams. The level of skill and determination displayed by these young players reinforces why the Airtel Masaza Cup continues to be a breeding ground for Uganda’s football stars.”

He added, “To enhance the experience of fans during this tournament, we are excited to announce the launch of our new Airtel Masaza Cup bundles. These new bundles are designed to offer comprehensive connectivity, including data, SMS, on-net minutes for Airtel-to-Airtel calls, and all-net minutes that can be used to call any network in Uganda. All bundles are valid for 30 days from the time of purchase and they are active starting today, 21st June 2025. Customers can activate them through multiple channels: by dialing *100*06# or via the My Airtel App. The bundles can also be repurchased at any time or shared with others through Tugabane.”

The Airtel Masaza Cup is a football tournament introduced in 2004 by the Buganda Kingdom to groom talent among youth across the different counties, or Masaza, that make up the Buganda Kingdom and the surrounding regions. The tournament has unearthed footballing talents who have gone on to represent Uganda on national and international stages.

This year’s tournament will feature the 18 counties of Buganda Kingdom pooled into three groups to participate in the games. These counties include; Butambala, Kabula, Kkooki, Kyaggwe, Mawogola, and Ssingo who are in the Muganzirwazza group, The Masengere group comprises of Bugerere, Bulemeezi, Buvuma, Buweekula, Kyaddondo, and Mawokota. The final group, Bulange has Buddu, Buluuli, Busiro, Busujju, Gomba, and Ssese counties.

The Katikiro of Buganda, Oweek. Charles Peter Mayiga, congratulated the winning team Buddu for showcasing great talent and maintaining their championship standards. “I want to thank both Buddu and Gomba teams, as well as their passionate fans, for the discipline showcased throughout today’s match. This is the spirit we want to see from all teams throughout the entire tournament,” he said.

“I also want to extend our gratitude to sponsors like Airtel Uganda who have always extended support towards the Buganda Kingdom’s initiatives that touch the heartbeat of our people and support their well-being. This partnership has helped us in our preparations over the years, enabling us to consistently host these 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.”

“Our brand promise as Airtel Uganda is to give the youth a reason to imagine and we will always participate in activities like the Airtel Masaza Cup that enables us to fulfill our commitment among other initiatives in other fields like education, entertainment, agriculture, health among others that positively impact our communities and the country as a whole,” Balunywa concluded.

The tournament, which will run from June to November 2025, guarantees to keep supporters on their toes as they cheer on their respective teams to win the 21st edition. The second games will be played on 28th June 2025, with fixtures to be announced soon.