History
The Masaza Cup was inaugurated in 2004 by the Buganda Kingdom as a way of fostering unity, cultural identity, and youth empowerment through sport. Since its inception, it has been held annually and has become a prominent platform for players to showcase their skills before joining professional football clubs in the Uganda Premier League. [3]
First Edition 2004
The first edition of the Buganda Masaza Cup in 2004 was won by Gomba, who defeated Mawokota in the final. Mawokota responded by claiming the 2005 trophy. Kooki then won the 2006 title. From 2007 to 2009, Mawokota, Kyaddondo, and Gomba each had their turn, with Gomba sealing their reputation as an early powerhouse. [4]
New era
In 2010, the tournament was not held, the following year, new champions emerged: Buluuli won in 2011 and Bulemeezi won the Masaza Cup in 2012, demonstrating the increasing competitiveness of the counties. Mawokota returned to the top in 2013, before Gomba added another title in 2014. [5]
Ssingo lifted their first ever Masaza Cup title in 2015, defeating Buddu in a one-sided final. Buddu, however, bounced back strongly to win their first trophy in 2016, sparking a rivalry with Gomba, who reclaimed the crown in 2017. Ssingo then added a second title in 2018, while Bulemeezi emerged again in 2019 as champions. [4]
Dominance
Gomba dominated the COVID-19 era of the competition, winning in both 2020 and 2021. In 2022, Busiro made history by winning their first-ever title, beating Buddu in the final. Bulemeezi captured their third crown in 2023, edging Gomba, before Buddu lifted their third championship in 2024 after defeating Bulemeezi in front of a packed Muteesa II Stadium. [6]
Most Successful County (Ssaza)
Over the years, Gomba have become the most successful team with five titles, while Buddu and Bulemeezi have emerged as consistent finalists. The tournament has evolved into both a football spectacle and a cultural event, often attended by the Kabaka of Buganda and other Kingdom dignitaries. [2]
Several Ugandan internationals, such as Farouk Miya, Arafat Usama, and others, have been scouted from Masaza Cup competitions before joining professional leagues.
The 18 counties of Buganda are divided into three groups of six: Bulange, Muganzirwazza, and Masengere. The group stage is played on a round-robin basis, with the top teams advancing to the knockout stages quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. [3]
Matches are played across stadiums in Buganda, with finals traditionally hosted at major venues such as Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium and Mutesa II Stadium. In 2025, Kitovu Sports Arena in Masaka hosted the opening match for the first time in match where the current champions for 2024, Buddu endged Gomba 1-0. [7] [8] [9]
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