2025 Buganda Masaza Cup
- Buweekula 1-0 Ssingo
Surrounded by an electric atmosphere at the refurbished Hamz Stadium, Buweekula etched their name into Buganda football history on Saturday evening, defeating Ssingo 1–0 to lift their first ever Plascon Painted Buganda Masaza Cup title.
The day began wet but ended in a carnival of color, emotion, and history.
Earlier, Kyaggwe edged Bugerere 1–0 to take third place, but all eyes were on the grand finale, graced by His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, as thousands of fans packed the Hamz Stadium in celebration.
A dream start for Buweekula
Ssingo started brighter, dominating possession and pressing through winger Edrine Junior Owachigui, whose early runs kept Buweekula’s defense busy.
Goalkeeper Bashir Ssenyonga was quickly called into action, comfortably dealing with Shaban Kayongo’s long-range effort.
But against the run of play, Buweekula struck in the 16th minute.
A quick counterattack ended with Alex Talemwa coolly slotting home the opener, and what proved to be the title-winning goal.
The blue and white stands exploded in joy, drums echoing across the stadium.
Ssingo tried to respond through a series of dangerous corners from Derrick Kato, but Buweekula’s defense, led by captain Mark Kayongo, stood firm.
Battles and missed chances
The rest of the first half was tense and physical, both sides creating half-chances but lacking composure.
Owachigui’s cross on the stroke of halftime drifted over the bar before referee Stephen Kimayo signaled the break.
Even during the halftime entertainment, the intensity remained, a playful tug of war between supporters ended in a draw, perfectly reflecting the balance on the pitch.
Second Half: A test of nerves
After the restart, Buweekula focused on preserving their lead. Jimmy Kalema’s early effort flew wide, and Shafiq Ssonko almost doubled the advantage after a swift break but slipped at the vital moment.
Ssingo’s frustration began to show. Midfielder Francis Ogwang was booked for a foul on Ssonko, followed by Jackson Ssembatya for a cynical challenge.
Coach Felix Ssekabuuza’s men absorbed wave after wave of pressure, staying disciplined and organized.
Late substitutions from Ssingo including Nasser Mwebe replacing Ogwang failed to turn the tide.
When the fourth official showed three minutes of added time, Buweekula’s fans could already sense history.
A Kingdom celebrates new champions
At the final whistle, Buweekula’s players collapsed in tears and triumph.
Coach Ssekabuuza was hoisted high by his squad, the man who had guided them to glory after years of near misses.
For Buweekula, this was a moment of unity, pride, and redemption, a story that will echo through Buganda’s football folklore.
Ssingo, gallant in defeat, missed out on a third title but walked off to warm applause for their effort and sportsmanship.
The night belonged to Buweekula, new kings of Buganda.
