DEFENDING CHAMPIONS START THE SEASON ON A HIGH NOTE
Buddu beat Gomba 1-0 in 2025 Masaza Cup opener at Kitovu Sports Arena in Masaka Defending champions Buddu secured a thrilling 1-0 victory over Gomba in the 2025 Masaza Cup opener at Kitovu Sports Arena on Saturday, June 21st, 2025. Crispus Sseruwugge’s decisive goal earned Buddu a stunning win in front of a packed crowd, and he was named Man of the Match. The match which started with Gomba dominating the first half ended in Buddu’s favour as they capitalised on their key chance in the second half. A midfield dominated by Nicolas Jjonga gave the hosts rhythm putting Gomba on the receiving end defending their hearts out. Buddu showcased a strong midfield performance, anchored by Nicholas Jjonga and winger Godfrey Oyaka, who put on an impressive display. This victory marks an optimistic start for Buddu as they aim to achieve a historic feat by becoming the first team to successfully defend their title. A mammoth record crowd graced the Kitovu Arena to witness the thrilling match between Buddu and Gomba. Despite the loss, Gomba remains a formidable team, having won the tournament five times, and will be a team to watch as the tournament progresses. The 2025 Masaza Cup is the 21st edition of the tournament, featuring 18 counties from the Buganda Kingdom. The tournament will run until November, with the next fixtures scheduled for June 28th and 29th, 2025 with a set of compelling matchups lined up. Ssese will host Bululi at Lutoboka ground, Kyadondo squares off against Bulemeezi at Nakivubo Stadium, while Kabula entertains Ssingo at the Bakijjulula playground. Starting Lineups: Buddu:Marvin Ssali (GK), Joseph Kayondo, Latif Lubega, Ismail Busuulwa, Bryan Matu, Godfrey Oyaka, Nicholas Jjonga, Chrispus Sseruwuge, Steven Yiga, Sulaiman Mutyaba, Mike Walaga Gomba:Julius Ssenyonjo (GK), Isaac Apenyo, Hasan Penso Nsubuga, Muhamed Mutamba, Herbert Onen, Dirisa Masembe, Nicholas Kirabira, Joseph Ssewali, Micheal Abura, Robert Ssewanyana, Calvin Otim
MASAZA CUP EXPLODES BACK INTO ACTION
The 2025 Masaza Cup is set to take the opening stanza of the story as Buddu hosts Gomba at Kitovu Sports Arena in the 21st edition opener. Buddu is the defending champions while Gomba is the record champions and the fixtures curing bad and worse histories making the game a clash of Titans. Going in the game defending champions are set to assemble a totally different team having changed almost the entire squad only keeping 6 members of the winning squad. Some of the key retained players are Mike Walaga and Joseph Kayondo both had 10 goals combined in the title winning campaign despite Kayondo being a defender but he managed for goals. From the winning Coaching staff who left to Gomba and got replaced by a group of technicians headed by Eric Kisuze who guided Kabula to unusual heights last season by reaching quarterfinals where he was stopped by Buddu. In the heart of regaining winning desires, Team Manager Vincent Ziwa took one of deep surgery of the squad where he captured key players like Hot Cake Nicholas Junga from Kabula Junga is the player expected to execute Buddu playing style replacing Pius Ssebulime who has been taking the responsibility before rejoining Mawokota. Ahead of the opening match, Buddu under new stuardship excepted to spring on the services of Goalkeeper Marvin Ssebirungo, Joseph Kayondo, Mike Waraga and Ivan Kanda another new signing. On Gomba Side, Coach Simon Dungu Dunga and his backroom are the Masaza cup defending coaches but with a different team. After a shocking campaign resulted to stop at the group stage, Gomba took an early preparation for the 2025 season, getting the management six months before the beginning of the campaign, Securing the coaching department over three months to the opening. After drawing the base lines, Gomba recruited a very strong squad, regained Herbert Onen from Buddu, added on other players like Joseph Ssewaali from Ssingo, Michael Abura from Mawokota and they are starting the competition with high hope to win the trophy as they seek to end a five-year span without a trophy. In Friendlies, all the teams have been on a good notch with just a draws as the lowest records building the momentum for both sides ahead of the opening match. Based on significant recent meetings Gomba holds a head-to-Head advantage over Buddu having eliminated in the most recent meeting in semifinals of 2023 and defeated them 3-1 in the finals of 2021 for the fifth Masaza cup final.
Buganda Masaza Cup Opening Set at Kitovu Sports Arena as Organizers Warn Against Chaos
The preparations to launch the Buganda Masaza Cup at Kitovu Sports Arena are now complete, and what remains is for the fans to turn up and watch the highly anticipated match. The Minister for Youth, Sports, and Recreation in the Buganda Kingdom, Owek. Ssalongo Robert Sserwanga, has issued a stern warning to anyone planning to cause chaos during the opening game of this year’s tournament. He emphasized that strict security measures have been put in place at Kitovu Sports Arena, the venue for the opening match, where Buddu will face off with Gomba. Minister Robert Sserwanga delivered this message during a press conference held at Kitovu Sports Arena where officials were providing an update on the tournament’s launch scheduled for tomorrow. Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Masaza organizing committee, Sulaiman Ssejengo, said that one of the key priorities for the match is ensuring that Kabaka’s subjects enjoy the game in peace and return home safely. He stressed that this will only be achieved by strictly following the rules and guidelines set at the stadium. On his part, Buddu team manager Ziwa Steven called on all Buddu supporters to show up in large numbers to support their county. He confirmed that the players are in good condition and ready to secure victory in tomorrow’s match.
EC Warns Against Mobilizing Crowds in Youth Elections
The Electoral Commission (EC) has issued a strong warning to individuals planning to mobilize crowds during the upcoming youth elections scheduled for tomorrow, stating that legal action will be taken against violators in accordance with the law. Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, the EC Chairperson, made the remarks while addressing the press on the electoral guidelines ahead of the general elections next year. Speaking from the Industrial Area in Kampala, Byabakama revealed that some aspirants are planning to bring in processions using vehicles during the youth elections. He cautioned them to refrain from such actions and urged all youth voters to maintain peace and order as they exercise their right to vote. Justice Byabakama further called upon public servants who wish to contest for various political positions to resign from their government posts before the nomination period starts, so as to avoid any conflicts of interest. He also advised aspirants who attained their academic qualifications from foreign institutions to have their credentials verified by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) before the set deadline. Addressing concerns from Ugandans about the conduct of security personnel during elections, Byabakama said that while the use of security forces in elections is unavoidable, they must not get involved directly in the electoral process. He emphasized that such involvement would be unconstitutional. Additional guidelines presented include: Presidential aspirants must submit their nomination papers by August 1st. Parliamentary aspirants have until July 16th to submit theirs. Those aspiring for district chairperson positions must do so by July 3rd. The nomination fees also remain unchanged: Presidential aspirants are required to pay UGX 20 million. Parliamentary aspirants must pay UGX 3 million.
Buddu Unveils 25-Man Squad for 2025 Buganda Masaza Cup Campaign
Buddu County has officially unveiled a 25-man squad set to represent and help reclaim the prestigious Buganda Masaza Cup title in the 2025 season. Among the selected players are: Ssebirago Marvin (former Buddu player) Kibunga Ashiraf (from Mawogola) Kaweesi Eric (from Kyaddondo) Busuulwa Ismaiel (from Ssesse) Lubega Latif (former Buddu player) Tumusiime Henry (from Mawokota) Kayondo Joseph (former Buddu player) Okecho David (first-time selection) Mutyaba Sulaiman (from Busiro) Abalirya Peter (from Mawokota) Jonga Nicholas (from Kabula) Muliika Patrick (from Mawogola) Tumusiime Matu (first-time selection) Kasule Meddie (from Buddu) Yiga Steven (first-time selection) Waraga Micheal (former Buddu player) Agamire Ivan Kanda (from Kabula) Sseruwugge Cryspus (from Kabula) Walugembe Derrick (from Butambala) Kidega Godfrey (from Buweekula) Mubiru Dasan (from Kyaddondo) Owen Rusongoza (former Buddu player) Kanyike Mohammed (from Bululi) Oboth Due Ronald (from Bulemeezi) Ssebadduka Kenneth (from Singo) Muwawu Steven Oyaka Godfrey (former Buddu player) The people of Buddu have been urged to uphold discipline and good conduct to support the team’s journey to victory in this year’s Masaza Cup. They are encouraged to avoid any acts that could lead to chaos or conflict during matches. This message was delivered by Pokino Jude Muleke, the Kabaka’s representative in Buddu County, during the squad unveiling at Sport Arena. He noted that while the team still faces financial challenges, maintaining discipline among players and supporters is the key to achieving success. Meanwhile, former Mukwenda, Owek. Godfrey Mbalire, expressed concern over political leaders who wait until the final stages of the tournament to show interest, often neglecting their teams at the beginning. He called on leaders, especially those from Buddu, to support the team by contributing financially to help it reach the finals and win the cup. Team Manager Ssalongo Zziwa Steven emphasized that the team has shown great potential and every match played has built hope. He encouraged all people of Buddu to come out in full force and support their team throughout the tournament. Ssebina Gyaviira Lubowa, who is vying for the parliamentary seat to represent Nyendo-Mukungwe, has extended financial support worth UGX 2 million to the Buddu Masaza Cup team. His contribution is aimed at helping the team reach the finals of the prestigious Buganda Masaza Cup tournament. This gesture demonstrates his commitment to promoting sports and community development in Buddu. It also comes at a crucial time when the team is mobilizing resources to boost its chances of reclaiming the Masaza Cup title this 2025 season. Kanso Muyizzi Samuel, another contender for the Nyendo-Mukungwe parliamentary seat, has pledged to cover the costs of match venues for every game Buddu will play in this year’s Masaza Cup tournament. His commitment is seen as a major boost to the team’s preparations and morale as they strive to reach and win the finals. Muyizzi emphasized that supporting sports is part of his broader vision to uplift the youth and promote unity within the division through football and community involvement.
Ntamu Kalinzi Distributes 50,000 Passion Fruit Seedlings to Youth in Bukoto Central to Boost Agriculture
A total of 50,000 passion fruit seedlings have been distributed to youths in Bukoto Central with the goal of empowering them to become more productive and improve their livelihoods. Alex Kalinzi Ntamu, the Second Deputy of the Kinyomo clan and also a political aspirant for the Bukoto Central parliamentary seat in the 2026 elections, spearheaded the initiative. He explained that the effort aims to reach every youth in Bukoto Central with tangible support to uplift their lives through agriculture. Ntamu criticized the government for neglecting agriculture in its recent policies, noting that many farmers find it difficult to benefit from the crops they grow due to lack of investment in the sector. Speaking during a meeting with youths from Buyaga village in Kyanamukaaka Sub-county, Masaka District, where he distributed the seedlings, Kalinzi emphasized his commitment to agriculture as a tool for transforming young people’s lives. He urged the government to allocate more funds from programs such as PDM (Parish Development Model) and Emyooga towards purchasing agricultural inputs that can directly benefit the people. Ntamu further revealed that his main objective is to ensure that young people remain engaged in productive activities rather than idling. He highlighted that passion fruit farming can help them save money, which can later be used to buy land and invest in long-term ventures like coffee farming. Some of the beneficiaries expressed concerns about the challenges they still face, especially drought. They called for support with water pumps to help them irrigate their crops and ensure better yields.
BANAMATEEKA ABAWOZA EMISANGO MU KOOTI ENKULU BATADDE WANSI EBIKOLA
Bannamateeka abawoza emisango mu Kooti enkulu e Masaka batadde ebikola wansi, berayiridde obutadda mukooti kuwoza musango okutuusa nga gavument n’abakulu musigga eddamuzi babawadde abalamuzi abamala. Banno babazze ekiwandiiko ekiteereddwako emikono gyabanamateeka bonna abakolerera e Masaka abawereraddala 26, nga bakulembeddwamu Alexander Lule akulira bannamateeka e Masaka, John Kawanga, Salifu Ssozi, Joseph Waswa, Eddy Ssansa, Sam Ssekyewa, Godfrey Baluku, Brenda Innomugisha, Harbert Zikusooka, Devis Kikyonkyo nabalala kyebatute mubakulu abavunanyizibwa okulaba nga bakola kunsonga yabwe. Bano nga basinziira ku Kooti e Masaka mukwogerako nabamawulire, bagamba nti emisango mingi gyetuumye mukooti eno nga negimu giri mumyaka 10 n’okusoba tegikolwangako kuggwa olw’abalamuzi ba Kooti enkulu abatamala. Alexander Lule akulira bannamateeka e Masaka agamba bamazze omwaka mulamba nga balina omulamuzi mukooti enkulu omu (1) yekka, nga ye Fatuma Nanziri olwaleero kwekusalawo nti okutandika n’olunnaku lwa Monday wiiki ejja tebagenda kudda mu Kooti okutuusa nga gavument ekkoze kunsonga yabwe. Munnamateeka ono agamba nti bawandiikidde abakulu mu Ssiga eddamuzi enfunda eziwera naye nga mpaawo kikolebwa, nagamba kino tebagenda kukigumiikiriza. Devis Kikyonkyo omu kubannamateeka abakolera e Masaka agamba bakooye okulyanga sente zabantu naye ng’emisango gyebalina okukolako gitudde butuuzi mukooti. Reported by Ddungu Fred ENDS
2024 Referees Wanjiku, Nabadda selected for TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has selected eight referees from the CECAFA Zone to officiate at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024. Kenya’s Josephine Wanjiku and Shamirah Nabadda are among the 18 centre referees selected for the tournament that takes place from July 5-26 in Morocco. CAF announced on Thursday names of the 18 referees, 18 assistant referees and 10 Video Assistant Referees (VAR) from 30 different countries on the continent. Apart from Wanjikuri and Nabadda (also officiated 2025 AFCON U-20), the other referees selected include Aline Umutoni (Rwanda) and Suavis Iratunga (Burundi). The CECAFA Zone will have two Assistant Referees Alice Umutesi (Rwanda) and Burundi’s Fides Bangourabona, while Salima Rhadia Mukansanga (Rwanda) and Abdalaziz Yasir Ahmed (Sudan) are selected as VAR referees. Tanzania are the only team from the CECAFA Zone that qualified to play in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. Group A: Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, DR Congo Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana Group C: South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania
Kyagulanyi, Ssenyonyi, Rubongoya re-elected unopposed for another 5 years
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine has been sworn in as the president of the National Unity Platform (NUP) for another five years. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the NUP Leadership School at Kamwokya, where the party held its first delegates’ conference under the new leadership of Kyagulanyi. In his address after the swearing-in, Kyagulanyi thanked everybody who had participated in the process. He said up to the last minute, they didn’t know that the delegates’ conference would be held today because of the environment of intimidation they operate under. “We have just held our delegates’ conference; we have just reconstituted our national executive committee, and we are up and running. I want to congratulate all the winners and all of you who participated in this election. It was noble for those who stepped aside, but it was even more noble and courageous for those challenged…so nobody is a loser in the National Unity Platform,” Kyagulanyi said. He asked those who have won to use their new positions to fight for good leadership in the country, especially in the coming general election. “Let’s go to work, we have a massive election ahead of us, and we have tough times ahead. And by the grace of God, we shall win…You did not hear people fighting against each other, exchanging profanities,” Kyagulanyi said. Speaking to the press after the end of the delegates’ conference, Joel Ssenyonyi, the leader of opposition in parliament (LoP), who has also just been re-elected as the party spokesperson, castigated the force that has been used against them by state security agencies, yet they are a registered political party. “We shall continue telling our people to keep peace, but there is always a limit to what people can accept. We are writing a protest letter to security agencies to ask them why they are mistreating us,” Ssenyonyi said. There are questions about the NUP delegates’ conference held today. The number of delegates who attended the meeting and the criteria used in choosing them are all unknown to most people. According to Ssenyonyi, their constitution allows for only 127 delegates, but he didn’t go into how they are chosen. Among the few people we have learnt that have been elected today include: David Lewis Rubongoya, who retains his position as secretary general. Both Rubongoya and Kyagulanyi have been elected unopposed. Ssenyonyi had to defeat Makindye West member of parliament Allan Ssewanyana to retain the position of party spokesperson. Kassanda South MP, Frank Kabuye, replaces his Mityana municipality counterpart, Francis Zaake, as the secretary for youth, while Akiso Benjamin replaces David Musiri as the head of institutions.
Abasomesa bamasomo ga Arts mu Greater Masaka bekalakasiza
Olwaleero abasomesa ba masomo ga Arts abegatira mukibiina kyabwe ekya Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union mubendobendo lye masaka bakedde kwekalakaasa nga balaga obutali bumativu olw’omusaala gwebafuna gwebagamba nti gwamunyoto tegukyasobola kubayimirizaaawo. Bano okusooka baabadde bategese kubeera ku kisaawe kya Sports arena ekitovu mukibuga Masaka naye Poliisi enteekateeka negirinyamu eggere, kyoka tekilobedde bano kugenda mumaaso nenteekateeka yabwe era bano bagikubye ekimooni nebekalakasiza mukisaawe kyomu Kasana Mu Nyendo. Bano bagamba nti kyekiseera gavumenti okuvaayo ejjewo enkola y’okusosola abaana n’ebyana bonna betaaga okubeezaawo obulamu. Amyuka ssentebe w’abasomesa ba Arts Mu greater Masaka Kafeero Yusufu agambye emitwalo 600,000 ne 800,000 ezibaweebwa tejibasobozesa kwebezaawo era bagala bongezebwe ensimbi nga wekyakolebwa kubasomesa ba Science. Mungeri yeemu Kafeero Yusufu agambye bakandaliziddwa ekimala era kati tebagenda kudamu kulinya mubibiina kusomesa bayizi nga ensonga zaabwe tezikoleddwako. Reported by Ddungu Fred