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David GOMBE

Defending champions Buweekula had been held to a goalless draw by a resilient Kyaddondo facet because the 2026 Airtel Masaza Cup received underway on the Nationwide Lecturers Faculty (NTC) Grounds in Mubende on Saturday.

In entrance of a vibrant crowd that turned as much as witness the opening fixture of Buganda’s premier soccer match, each side produced a fiercely contested encounter however failed to search out the breakthrough regardless of creating a number of promising alternatives.

Buweekula, searching for to start their title defence with most factors, loved spells of possession and territorial dominance, however Kyaddondo remained disciplined all through, irritating the reigning champions with an organised defensive show.
The 2 groups exchanged assaults in a carefully fought contest performed underneath sunny circumstances, with clear-cut probabilities proving exhausting to come back by. Because the match wore on, each side resorted to long-range efforts and set items searching for a winner, however neither goalkeeper was severely troubled as the sport led to a stalemate.

Regardless of the absence of targets, the match offered an early glimpse of the competitiveness anticipated all through this yr’s match, with neither facet keen to concede floor within the opening spherical.
Kyaddondo midfielder Trevor Kalule emerged because the standout performer of the afternoon. His vitality, composure on the ball and tireless work charge earned him the Man of the Match accolade after a commanding show in the course of the park.
Talking after the match, Airtel Uganda Gross sales Director Ali Balunywa praised the standard of soccer exhibited by each groups and famous the rising professionalism inside the competitors.
“I’ve cherished the opener at present due to the excessive requirements of play and the expertise on show. Whereas neither group managed to attain, you can clearly see the standard, tactical self-discipline and willpower from each side. At this stage of the match, each level issues and neither group wished to lose floor,” Balunywa stated.

He reaffirmed Airtel Uganda’s dedication to supporting the match and nurturing soccer expertise throughout the dominion.

“As Airtel, we’re as soon as once more proud to be a part of a match that brings folks collectively and supplies a platform for expertise growth. The Airtel Masaza Cup continues to advertise unity, togetherness and neighborhood engagement, values which are essential to us as a model.”

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, who officiated the match’s opening match, applauded each groups for an entertaining contest and stated the fixture had offered an encouraging begin to what’s anticipated to be a extremely aggressive 2026 Airtel Masaza Cup marketing campaign.
Owek. Mayiga additionally recommended Airtel Uganda for its continued assist of the match, noting that the partnership has performed a key position in preserving Buganda’s cultural heritage whereas fostering neighborhood growth by means of sport.

“We’re grateful to Airtel Uganda for persistently supporting our imaginative and prescient. The Airtel Masaza Cup is greater than a soccer match; it’s a platform that promotes unity, id and self-discipline amongst our folks. By means of such partnerships, we proceed to protect our heritage whereas strengthening communities throughout the dominion,” he stated
Past soccer, the 2026 version carries a powerful social message underneath the theme, “Males Should Take the Lead within the Battle Towards HIV/AIDS to Save the Lady Little one.” The marketing campaign seeks to mobilise males throughout Buganda and past to play a extra energetic position in defending younger women and combating the unfold of HIV/AIDS.

The match resumes subsequent weekend with Ssese internet hosting Bulemeezi on Saturday, June 20. On Sunday, June 21, Busiro will face Gomba, whereas Buddu tackle Buluuli whereas Mawokota welcomes Kyaggwe.