By Musa Mbogo
Defending champions Buddu kicked off their 2025 Airtel Masaza Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Gomba in front of a packed crowd at Kitovu Sports Arena in Masaka.
The opening fixture marked a significant milestone for Buddu, who for the first time in the tournament’s history, defeated rivals Gomba at their home ground.
In a tense and thrilling match, it was Chrispus Sseruwugge’s well taken second half goal that separated the two sides, sealing the win for the hosts.
Speaking after the match, Airtel Uganda’s Sales and Distribution Director, Ali Balunywa, lauded the quality of the game and introduced an innovation aimed at boosting fan engagement.
“We thank the fans who have come today at the launch of the 2025 Airtel Masaza Cup. The quality of the game has significantly improved. Buddu and Gomba demonstrated very good skill, and we are grateful to the fans,” Balunywa said.
He revealed their newly introduced package dubbed Masaza bundles which is meant to enable clients to stay online across all networks.
“As Airtel Uganda, we’ve brought in something new, which we call the Masaza bundles, to enable the fans and customers to stay online across all networks. You can stream the games using different social media platforms from all our media partners,” he said.
He added that these bundles are not only for people I’m Buganda region, but also other parts of the country.
“The Masaza bundles are not only for people in Buganda region; they are available countrywide. We encourage everyone to experience it and stay connected throughout the tournament.”
The match attracted a large crowd, including county (Ssaza) chiefs, local leaders, and dignitaries, highlighting the tournament’s growing popularity.
The opening ceremony was presided over by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga.
Commenting after the game, Katikkiro emphasized the importance of discipline and sportsmanship.
“When we were inaugurating this year’s tournament, we said that in all circumstances, football must win. There must be no elements that affect the enjoyment we get from the game. We don’t want violence, we don’t want lawlessness. Football must be the key reason why everyone is here,” Katikkiro noted.
The Katikkiro expressed his admiration for the impressive turnout of fans, commending them for exercising maximum discipline throughout the match.
He noted that everyone enjoyed the game peacefully and happily, without any incidents of violence adding that this is the kind of environment that fosters the true spirit of football and is essential for the sport’s development.
“Today, football has won. The turn-up has been impressive, the quality of players good although I hope the strikers sharpen up, because shots on target were not that many, especially in the first half. There was no crowd violence. People were happy. That’s what we want to see. That’s how we shall nurture talent and develop football. And I can assure you, the Kabaka will commend everyone involved when football wins.”
Sseruwugge ( goal scorer) was named Man of the Match, and the accolade was presented to him by the Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga.
The game started with high tempo, Gomba dominating much of the first half and creating several scoring opportunities, but failed to convert.
The second half saw a shift, with both teams upping their intensity. Despite not being at their best, Buddu capitalized on their lone clear chance, earning the decisive goal and the win.
The result sent the local Buddu fans into celebrations, with Masaka streets lit with jubilation. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
