Airtel Uganda Limited has on Thursday announced a Shs1.2 Billion sponsorship to the Buganda Kingdom Masaza Football competition for the next three years.
The announcement was made at the Kingdom headquarters in Bulange, Mengo.
Airtel Uganda, the official sponsor of the Uganda Cranes has cemented their position as the biggest supporter of football in Uganda by announcing their latest partnership with the Kingdom of Buganda.
Katikkiro of Buganda Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, Kingdom Sports minister Henry Ssekabembe Kiberu and the Airtel Uganda officials led by the Managing Director Anwar Soussa attended the briefing.
The sponsorship will see Airtel Uganda provide the necessary funds to enable the tournament organizers facilitate team players, coaches and referees as well as bring on board more capable service providers.
Addressing the media at the press conference, the Katikkiro thanked Airtel Uganda for their unwavering support for the kingdom and its activities.
We are very fortunate that the partner we are announcing today is one we have worked with for a couple of years – we trust them and have a very successful working relationship.
We hold this tournament every year for mainly boosting the talent amongst the young people from Buganda Region and also to mobilize people living in Buganda in development programmes and activities that boost their income levels
Soussa expressed excitement at the opportunity to be part of the kingdom’s football heritage.
At Airtel Uganda, football is one of our passion points right from Airtel Rising Stars, our youth football tournament all the way up to the Uganda Cranes, our national football team.
It is an honor to add the Masaza Cup – a Kingdom of Buganda legacy tournament that was started very many years ago and has raised some of the greatest talent in the country.
I commend the Kabaka of Buganda and all the kingdom officials for your ability to keep alive this tournament and your noble desire to unify the kingdom subjects.
Soussa also used the opportunity to congratulate Buddu County on winning the 2016 Masaza Cup.
This will not be the first time Airtel Uganda has come out to sponsor Kingdom of Buganda activities.
Last year, the telecommunications company renewed their partnership with the Buganda Kingdom for the next three years to cater to four of the most important Buganda Kingdom activities including the Kabaka Run.
Masaza Products:
Over the years, a number of Uganda Cranes players have played the Buganda Masaza football tournament.
Farouk Miya, Emmanuel Okwi, Godfrey ‘Jaja Walu’ Walusimbi of Gor Mahia, Yunus Sentamu (F.C Ilves in Finland), Tony Mawejje of Knattspyrnufélagið Þróttur, Robert Odongkara, Yassar Mugerwa (St. George), Hamis ‘Diego’ Kiiza (Free State Stars) among others have all played in the Masaza Cup.
Others are; Joseph Owino, Meddie Mukiri, Alex Kakuba, Alex Ikanga, Ivan Bukenya, Sula ‘Malouda’ Matovu, Yassar Mugerwa, Ivan Anguyo, Mike Sserumaga, Fred Kyambadde, Lawrence Ssonko, Brian Omony, Baker Lukooya, Nelson Ssenkatuuka, Andrew Kyekulidde, Ivan Anguyo, Hussein Bukenya, Edisa Lubega, Kenneth Tumusiime, Pius Wanji, Kezironi Kizito and a host of others.
Masaza Cup All Winners:
2016 – Buddu
2015 – Singo
2014 – Gomba
2013 – Mawokota
2012– Bulemeezi
2011– Buluri
2010– Not Held
2009– Gomba
2008– Kyadondo
2007– Mawokota
2006– Kooki
2005- Mawokota
2004- Gomba
