Bugweri secured a 1-0 victory over Busiki at Namutumba District Headquarters on Saturday, 15th August, in the 2026 MTN Busoga Masaza Cup opener. Ali Kiyemba headed home a Tom Babalanda corner in the 62nd minute to give Bugweri maximum points. Busiki’s late equaliser was disallowed as Nicolas Mukibi’s 87th-minute goal was flagged offside by the referee. This marked a promising start to what could be a competitive campaign for Bugweri.
Ali Kiyemba, fittingly named man of the match, had prospects to score twice. He initially blazed a cross from Babalanda over the bar in the 53rd minute and later fired inches wide from inside the box in the 67th. His match-saving header turned the tide. Babalanda, named best player, also faces ridicule for allowing Kiyemba’s early blunder.
Busiki captain Tibita Rajabu received the second-best player award. Both winners earned UGX 200,000 and UGX 100,000 respectively from MTN Uganda. This year’s theme, ‘Men are the pillars in ending teenage pregnancies,’ was acknowledged by Kyabazinga Gabula Nadiope IV, who attended the opening. This is the 2026 game’s theme, aligning societal focus with local priorities.
David Isabirye, Kawowo Sports’ senior writer, noted, ‘We assembled the team late. I think our opponents were more prepared.’ He added, ‘I told my players to treat this match as a final. My target is to take Bugweri past the quarter-finals.’ This retrospective analysis highlights preparation gaps but also Bugweri’s resilience ahead of match two on 30th August against Bukooli Bugiri.
Source: Kawowo Sports
