Airtel Masaza Cup 2026 Opens in Mubende as Buganda Links Football to HIV Awareness and Youth Opportunity

By Ben Musanje

Buweekula and Kyaddondo will kick off the 22nd edition of the Airtel Masaza Cup 2026 on Saturday, 13 June, at Mubende NTC Playground.

The tournament brings together 18 counties of the Buganda Kingdom. It was officially launched on Wednesday, 10 June, at Bulange Gardens by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga.

This year’s edition is tied to a public health message, with a strong focus on HIV/AIDS awareness. The theme is: “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and End HIV/AIDS by 2030.”

The Katikkiro emphasized the role of sport in uniting communities and supporting health campaigns.

“I’m very pleased that you are still working with us in this journey as we promote talent, as we promote sports, as we fight HIV/AIDS in Uganda,” he said. “We rely on sports to unite the people within the Kingdom of Uganda, and indeed all Ugandans.”

He added that football remains a powerful mobilization tool for health advocacy.

“Football mobilizes the communities, and as we all understand, the Kabaka is the goodwill ambassador in the fight against HIV,” he said. “I encourage the captains of the different teams to be our champions in this fight.”

Beyond health messaging, Katikkiro Mayiga also highlighted the economic value of the tournament.

“The Masaza Cup is a source of income not only for players but also for those who sell food and services during matches,” he said. “It helps discover and promote talent while creating opportunities for young people.”

Speaking at the launch, Airtel Uganda Managing Director Soumendra Sahu praised the Kingdom of Buganda for investing in grassroots football development.

“As Airtel, we thank the Kabaka and Katikkiro for supporting football through the Masaza and Bika tournaments,” he said. “We are honored to continue this partnership that develops talent while uniting communities and promoting health awareness.”

Sahu also pointed to Airtel’s continued investment in connectivity to enhance fan experience.

“We rolled out almost 450 new towers across the country, the largest investment program in about 10 years,” he said. “This supports broadband access and streaming of events like the Masaza Cup and the World Cup 2026.”

He said the partnership goes beyond sport.

“We are not only supporting football talent but also promoting health awareness and creating opportunities for young people on and off the pitch.”

A UNAIDS representative commended the Kingdom for using football as a platform for public health engagement.

“Football brings together young people, and that makes this tournament more than sport,” he said. “It is a powerful platform for health, unity, and positive change.”

Hajji Sulaiman Ssejjengo, chairman of the organizing committee, said preparations are complete and urged teams to follow regulations.

“We pledge a well-organized tournament this year and urge all teams to adhere to the rules,” he said.

Buganda Minister of Sports Robert Serwanga noted the tournament’s growing reach, citing over 185,000 spectators last year and more than 10 million online viewers.

He also revealed improved logistics, including training for over 500 pitch managers and deployment of 148 journalists.

The Masaza Cup remains an annual football competition for Buganda Kingdom counties, aimed at nurturing talent and strengthening community ties.

This year’s edition will feature 104 matches, combining sport, entertainment, and health advocacy across the Kingdom. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).