Jinja City, Uganda: MTN Uganda has committed Shs550 million towards the 2026 Busoga Masaza Cup, with organisers saying this year’s tournament will combine football with a campaign to combat teenage pregnancy and promote positive social change across the Busoga sub-region.
The sponsorship was unveiled on Wednesday during the official launch of the ninth edition of the tournament at the Busoga Kingdom headquarters in Jinja City.
Busoga Kingdom said the funding will support match organisation, community mobilisation activities and fan engagement throughout the competition.
Speaking at the launch, Busoga Kingdom Second Deputy Prime Minister Owek. Alhaj Osman Ahmed Noor said the tournament has evolved into more than a football competition.
“The tournament is bigger than football. It is a platform to mobilise our people, especially the youth, around the Kyabazinga’s campaign as Goodwill Ambassador against teenage pregnancy,” Osman said.
This year’s tournament will also champion the campaign themed: “Abasadha N’empango Mukukomya Ekifuna Mabunda mu Baana Abato,” loosely translated as “Men and Cultural Leaders in Ending Teenage Pregnancy Among Children.”
Kyabazinga to kick off tournament
The 2026 Busoga Masaza Cup will officially kick off on August 15 at the Namutumba District Headquarters Grounds, where Busiki will face Bugweri in the opening fixture.
The match will be officially opened and kicked off by the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV.
Fourteen chiefdoms will participate in this year’s competition, namely: Kigulu, Bulamogi, Bukono, Bugweri, Bukooli-Namayingo, Budiope, Bunha, Bunhole-Bunanumba, Butembe, Bukooli Bugiri, Buzaya, Bugabula, Busiki, and Luuka.
Busoga Kingdom also confirmed the prize money for the top four teams:
Champions: Shs13 million
Runners-up: Shs9 million
Third place: Shs6 million
Fourth place: Shs4 million
MTN promises fan rewards
Speaking on behalf of the telecommunications company, John Paul Okwir from MTN Uganda’s sponsorship team, accompanied by Regional Business Manager Moses Oburu, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting sports development and community engagement.
“Beyond the pitch, we shall reward the Man of the Match, loyal merchants and fans through raffle draws and Abasadha N’empango quizzes during halftime,” Okwir said.
Busoga Kingdom Minister for Sports Owek. Amin Bbosa, accompanied by his deputy Daniel Musota and Owek. Yudaya Babirye of the Kyabazinga Initiatives, called on players, officials and supporters to uphold discipline throughout the tournament.
“We must encourage the youth to use talent to unite Busoga. Sports can heal, educate and bring our people together,” Bbosa said.
Owek. Osman also commended the media and team managers for their contribution to the success of last year’s tournament, noting that their support had helped raise the profile of the Busoga Masaza Cup.
The annual competition has increasingly become a platform for promoting community development, youth empowerment and cultural unity, while using football to address pressing social challenges affecting the Busoga region.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
