Masaza Cup 2025: ‘Go violent at own risk’, Buganda Sports Minister Warns Out of Control Fans
By: Lawrence Mubiru
The Buganda Minister for Youth, Sports and Talent Development, Owek. Robert Serwanga sent a strong warning message to the Masaza football fans who tend to go out of control and do hooliganic acts before, during and after the matches.
To speak this, Minister highlighted from the incidents that marred a Masaza Cup match between Buvuma and Bugerere on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
The match was played at Bagyo Buvuma and it ended in a one all draw but was followed by scenes of chaos basing on the videos and photos that circulated on different socials.
Several people sustained injuries, vehicles had their windows smashed, and other property were damaged after reports of stone-throwing and physical confrontations between rival supporters.
Minister Serwanga travelled to Buvuma to meet the relevant parties including Mbuubi, the county chief of Buvuma, local leaders, football officials, and security agencies to investigate what really transpired.
It’s at this point the minister asked whoever can help to end this vice in this prestigious tournament to meet them and report the culprits and warned whoever is behind the violent acts that when caught, they will serve the punishment alone or even the whole county.
“I am warning whoever is behind this vice, we are working tirelessly to get you and your sponsors mostly the Blue Isuzu elf truck that is said to carry beating items and a black (drone) vehicle which brought the goons”. The minister warned.
He later hosted a follow-up meeting at Bulange, Mengo, with a Bugerere delegation led by Owek. Samuel Ssemugooma and other county football leaders.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure such incidents never happen again. Our people should attend matches for the joy of football, not to return home angry or injured,” Serwanga said.
He expressed sympathy for victims from both Buvuma and Bugerere whose property and safety were affected, adding that the discussions with both sides aimed at fostering reconciliation and preventing future violence.
Serwanga noted that the incidents breached not only Masaza Cup competition rules but also national laws. He revealed that police have taken up the matter to investigate, ensure justice for victims, and prosecute perpetrators.
The minister urged all participants and fans to uphold the true spirit of the Masaza Cup, reminding them that the tournament was initiated by Kabaka to promote talent, unity, HIV/AIDS awareness, and other positive causes.
County chiefs Owek. Micheal Mboowa (Buvuma) and Owek. Samuel Ssemugooma (Bugerere) thanked the minister and the Masaza Cup organizing committee for responding to the incident on time. They pledged to intensify fan sensitization to avoid a repeat of such violence.