The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup — powered by Kabode — delivered another weekend of drama, upsets, and heartbreak, as defending champions Butembe were eliminated on Saturday, while Bukono failed to snatch top spot in a tense goalless draw on Sunday.
Saturday: Cup Holders Butembe Bow Out in Emotional Exit
At Mafubira Kavule Primary School, the atmosphere was heavy with tension and tears as reigning champions Butembe crashed out after being held to a 0-0 draw by Busiki.
Coming into the decisive Nendha group clash, Butembe sat bottom with five points, needing victory to keep their title defense alive. But Busiki goalkeeper Andrew Aboket proved unbeatable, pulling off a string of first-half saves to deny Asuman Kayondo, Arshraf Ocen, Ivan Nakalanga, and Hussein Ssenyonga.
The frustration grew in the second half as Aboket continued to dominate the air, commanding his box and repelling every threat. Tempers boiled over late in the game — both sides were reduced to nine men after Gideon Nsubuga (Busiki, 84’) and Martin Luba (Butembe, 90+2’) were sent off for indecent conduct.
The 0-0 result confirmed Butembe’s elimination — the first time since the tournament’s inception in 2016 that the holders have failed to progress beyond the group stage.
Meanwhile, Bukooli Namayingo edged Kigulu 1-0 thanks to a Levis Baraza first-half strike, sending both teams into the quarterfinals on nine points apiece. Busiki (7 points) joined Butembe (6 points) in crashing out from what had been dubbed the tournament’s “group of death,” featuring four former champions.
Butembe’s coach Isaac Kitakule: “That’s how our travels ended because we tried our level best amidst challenges but results did not go our way from the group. We do apologize to our fans for the below par performances.”
Busiki’s coach Nasibu Ndita: “We had an edge to win but our preparations coming into this tournament was not good enough in the camp. But we will go back and reorganize for next season.”
With Saturday’s results, Kigulu and Bukooli Namayingo joined Bunha, Bugweri, Bugabula, Luuka, and Bukono in the quarterfinals. Only one spot remains; to be decided when Buzaaya face Bulamogi in a Kagulu group clash on Thursday.
Sunday: Bukono Denied Top Spot in Bugadde in Sunday game
On Sunday, Bukono traveled to face Bunhole Bunanhumba at Bugadde Primary School, arriving with just 11 players and no substitutes. The physical toll showed as they battled to a goalless draw that ended their hopes of topping the Mawembe group.
The hosts came close early when Kalidasi Sinani tested Bukono’s keeper Kaswa Latif in the 15th minute. Moments later, Sinani had the ball in the back of the net, but the effort was ruled offside.
Bukono nearly snatched it in the second half when Mupere Joel unleashed a 74th-minute long-range drive that narrowly missed, with Bunhole’s goalkeeper Ssenyondo Ali beaten. But neither side could break the deadlock.
The draw meant Bukono finished second in the group behind Bugweri, pending a disciplinary committee decision on the unplayed Budiope vs Bugweri match. Bugweri traveled over 90 kilometers for that fixture, only for Budiope to fail to show without notifying the committee in writing, as required by the rules.
Upcoming Fixtures
Wednesday, Sept 24: Luuka vs Bugabula – Busalaamu Primary School
Thursday, Sept 25: Buzaaya vs Bulamogi – Bulumba Ginnery, Kaliro
The weekend’s results reshaped the tournament landscape: holders Butembe were sent packing, Bukooli Namayingo and Kigulu punched their quarterfinal tickets, and Bukono’s fatigue denied them top spot. As the quarterfinal lineup nears completion, the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup — powered by Kabode remains as unpredictable and fiercely contested as ever.
