By 
In front of a historic crowd at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, Buddu clinched their third Buganda Masaza Cup title with a narrow 1-0 victory over a determined Kyaggwe team. The match was honored by the presence of His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, adding prestige to the grand occasion.
Buddu’s decisive moment came early in the game, with Mike Walaga scoring the only goal in the 22nd minute. Walaga, a standout performer, delivered a powerful header past Kyaggwe’s goalkeeper Peter “Dhaira” Katongole after a precise cross from captain Pius Ssebulime, igniting the crowd and setting the tone for the match.
Kyaggwe started strong, controlling possession in the opening 15 minutes. David Mugalu came close in the 12th minute with a long-range shot set up by Steven Nyalimo, but it sailed over the bar.
Led by Express midfielder Geofrey Ggagganga and Mbale Heroes winger Isaac Ofoyrwoth, Kyaggwe continued to dominate but couldn’t find the back of the net.
As Buddu took the lead against the run of play, Kyaggwe fought to level the score. Ggagganga had a chance to equalize with a curling free-kick from 25 yards, but it veered off-target.
Despite Kyaggwe’s relentless pursuit, Buddu held onto their slim advantage, going into halftime with confidence.
The second half saw Kyaggwe return with renewed energy, pushing hard for an equalizer. However, it was Buddu who created the first serious chance, with Mike Kayondo forcing Katongole into a save from a powerful shot that resulted in a corner.
Buddu’s Ssebulime was later cautioned for a challenge on Ofoyrwoth as the match grew more intense.
Kyaggwe’s closest opportunity came in the 63rd minute when Nyalimo’s header struck the crossbar after a clever cross from Ofoyrwoth, leaving the crowd gasping.
As time ticked away, Kyaggwe’s Dan Mubbale misfired a close-range chance, and substitute Hakim Lule squandered a late header off Yusuf Mukwana’s cross.
Despite intense pressure from Kyaggwe, Buddu displayed composure and resilience to maintain their narrow lead.
When the final whistle blew, Buddu celebrated a hard-fought victory, marking their third Buganda Masaza Cup title.
In the third-place match, Buweekula triumphed over Kyaddondo with a convincing 3-1 win.
The tournament, which has been revived since 2004, received sponsorship from Airtel Uganda, Kansai Plascon, Pilsner King’s Beer, Centenary Bank, CBS Radio, BBS Telefaina, Nivana, UNAIDS, and Majestic Brands.
Historically, Gomba remains the tournament’s most successful team with five titles, while Buddu and Mawokota each have three. Bulemeezi has claimed two championships, while Kyadondo, Busiro, Kooki, and Buluri have each won once.
