MENGO – The 15th edition of the Airtel Masaza Cup has received a major boost ahead kick-off.
Telecommunications giants Airtel have invested a whopping UGX 400m into one of the country’s most exiting yearly tournaments.
The UGX 400m is part of the UGX 1.2b package that was announced three months ago in Mengo.
First Deputy Prime minister of Buganda, Twaha Kawaasi who presided over the event on Monday, called on everyone to invest efforts so as the tournament is a success.
“We have gathered here to officially launch this year’s Masaza cup tournament, said Kawaasi.
“I call upon everyone in the respective counties to give support to their teams so as we have a successful football event.
Kawaasi also confirmed that the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi will preside over the opening game.
“I would like to confirm that his Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II will preside over the opening game between Ssingo and Ssese on 1st June at Mityana Ssaza grounds, continued the first Deputy Prime minister.
This year’s edition was launched on Monday 20th May 2019 at Bulange Mengo and it was confirmed that Ssingo will host this year’s opening match against Ssese at the Ssaza play grounds in Mityana.
Also speaking at the unveiling of the UGX 400m package, Airtel Communications and Brand manager Remmie Kisakye recorgnised the tournament’s influence on Ugandan football.
“As Airtel Uganda Limited, we have spent three years at the helm of this tournament as the main title sponsors, noted Kisakye.
“This year, we are offering Shs 4OOM to support in the affluent organization with jerseys.
“This competition has been a birthplace for many stars on the national team who have been key in Uganda Cranes’ qualification to AFCON for two consecutive editions (2017 and 2019).
“We also support football from the grassroots from the Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) programme.
Airtel also provided two sets of jerseys to the 18 teams taking part in this year’s edition on top of three balls.
On the same day, it was learned that three other companies had chipped in with contributions towards the tournament.
Centernary Bank offered UGX 90m, Total Uganda also chipped in with UGX 37m while Nugle Beer are investing UGX 51m.
The 2019 Masaza Cup Groups
MASENGERE
-Ssingo
-Bugerere
-Buvuma
-Gomba
-Ssese
BUTIKKIRO
-Buddu
-Mawogola
-Mawokota
-Bulemezi
-Kooki
MUGANZIRWAZA
-Busujju
-Kabula
-Kyaggwe
-Butambala
BULANGE
-Buwekula
-Busiro
-Kyadondo
-Buluuli
Previous winners
-2004 Gomba
-2005 Mawokota
-2006 Kkoki
-2007 Mawokota
-2008 Kyaddondo
-2008 Gomba
-2010 Not Held
-2011 Buluuli
-2012 Bulemeezi
-2013 Mawokota
-2014 Gomba
-2015 Ssingo
-2016 Buddu
-2017 Gomba
-2018 Ssingo
