The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup delivered another thrilling weekend of action as Matchday 2 saw drama across the region — from Bukooli Namayingo’s shock victory over reigning champions Butembe, to Bunha’s gutsy draw with no substitutes in Kaliro.
SATURDAY ROUND-UP: Champions Butembe Fall, Kigulu and Busiki Share Points
At the Namayingo grounds, Bukooli Namayingo delivered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far, edging out defending champions Butembe 2-1 in front of their jubilant home crowd.
Butembe struck first in the 20th minute through Enos Kusula, who powered in a header from Nicolas Mukiibi’s corner to silence the home faithful. The goal sparked a flurry of action as both sides traded attacking blows, with Bukooli’s Ben Sombi and Levis Baraza missing key chances, while Butembe’s Joel Mukama failed to trouble the home keeper with a weak effort.
Bukooli Namayingo came out re-energized in the second half after a triple substitution from coach George Ivan Wamala. The introduction of Edrine Sanja, Arshaf Sanyu, and Jonah Nalugoda completely turned the tide of the match.
Just ten minutes after the restart, Sanja charged down the right wing and delivered a pinpoint cross to Levis Baraza Okello, who calmly tapped home the equalizer to make it 1-1.
The pressure from Bukooli mounted, and Butembe’s backline began to crack. A foul near the corner flag handed Bukooli a golden opportunity, and it was substitute Jonah Nalugoda’s well-whipped delivery that found Hassan Sanya unmarked at the far post. His thumping header sealed the comeback and sent Namayingo into raptures.
Butembe’s coach, Isaac Kitakule, rang the changes in a desperate bid to claw back a result, but the damage had been done.
“We began on a low side and we were caught off the pedal in the first half most of the time. But it was our game strategy when I brought in three key game changers who changed the game,” said Bukooli Namayingo coach Wamala.
“Now that we have got this win, we are hoping to build on it for more crucial points.”
Coach Kitakule admitted his side’s downfall was self-inflicted.
“We lost due to numerous mistakes at the back, but we will definitely try to resolve this in training. It’s still too early to count us off though.”
The win was also a personal triumph for Bukooli Namayingo’s match-winner Hassan Sanya, who walked away with a brand-new MTN Kabode Super phone courtesy of MTN Uganda. Fan Sylvester Ojiambo was also rewarded for his outstanding support.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Kigulu and Busiki played out a 1-1 draw at Iganga Saza Ground, with Busiki doing just enough to retain top spot in the fiercely competitive Nendha Group. In another tight affair, Bugweri and Bukono cancelled each other out in a goalless draw at Busesa Mixed Primary School grounds — both teams now leading Mawembe Group on four points apiece.
SUNDAY ACTION: Bunha Dig Deep as Luuka Thrash Bukooli Bugiri
Sunday’s headline clash saw Bunha FC produce a gutsy 1-1 draw away at Bulamogi, despite having no substitutes on the bench. Playing at Kasokwe Primary School in Kaliro, Bunha were up against it after conceding in the 25th minute to Mawa Anuari, who finished from close range against the run of play.
The hosts grew into the game and nearly extended their lead before the break, dominating possession and territory. But the second half belonged to Bunha.
Against all odds, Bunha found an equalizer in the 58th minute through Mutebe Karim, who pounced on a defensive blunder to slot past the Bulamogi keeper. The 11-man Bunha side pressed for a winner in the dying minutes but had to settle for a well-earned point.
The result leaves Bunha top of the Nendha Group with two points from two games, having drawn their opener against Buzaaya. Bulamogi, meanwhile, will be back in action against Buzaaya on August 3rd at Lwanyama Primary School.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Luuka turned on the style to dispatch Bukooli Bugiri 3-0 at Busalaamu Primary School grounds, while Budiope edged Bunhole Bunanhumba 1-0 at Irundu.
Group Standings Snapshot (Selected Groups)
Nendha Group
- Busiki – 4 pts
- Bukooli Namayingo – 3 pts
- Kigulu – 2 pts
- Butembe – 1 pt
- Bunha – 2 pts (Group status likely overlaps)
Mawembe Group
- Bugweri – 4 pts
- Bukono – 4 pts
Coming Up
Action resumes with the next round of group fixtures on August 3rd. All eyes will be on whether Butembe can bounce back from their poor start and whether Bukooli Namayingo can build on their momentum.
With the MTN Kabode-powered tournament heating up, fans across Busoga can expect more drama, late goals, and standout moments as the region’s top Saza sides battle for supremacy.
