Masaza Cup 2025: Resilient Bugerere Rewrite History with Semifinal Qualification

By: Lawrence Mubiru 

After a decade of heartbreaks and near misses, Bugerere have finally broken their 10-year Masaza Cup jinx, storming into the 2025 Buganda Masaza Cup semifinals for the first time since 2015.

The long-awaited breakthrough came on Sunday at Migyera Playground, where Bugerere battled Buluuli to a tense 1–1 draw, sealing a 3–2 aggregate victory and punching their ticket to the last four in style.

Having edged the first leg 2–1 at home, Bugerere held their nerve in the return fixture — displaying grit, discipline, and teamwork to fend off Buluuli’s pressure and secure a historic qualification. The result sparked wild celebrations among fans who have waited years to see their side back among Buganda’s football elite.

“We believed, we worked hard, and God has rewarded us,” said a jubilant Bugerere official after the final whistle, describing the moment as “a new dawn” for the county’s football journey.

The 2025 semifinals will now feature Bugerere, Ssingo, Buweekula, and Kyaggwe, with matches set for Sunday, October 12, 2025, across Buganda.

Elsewhere, Ssingo, a two-time champion, proved their pedigree by edging Mawokota 1–0 on aggregate, thanks to a decisive goal from Shaban Kayongo in the return leg. The narrow win keeps Ssingo’s dream of a third crown alive after a goalless stalemate in the first leg.

Buweekula, the 2021 losing finalists, also continued their impressive run, holding Busujju to a 1–1 draw at Mubende NTC Playground to advance 3–1 on aggregate. Alex Talemwa scored for Buweekula, while Lauben Lubwana netted for Busujju. The result sealed Buweekula’s semifinal appearance, adding another fairy-tale to this year’s edition.

On Saturday, Kyaggwe became the first team to book a semifinal slot after a 1–1 draw with Ssese at Lutoboka Playground, building on their earlier 2–0 home win to progress 3–1 on aggregate.

Masaza Cup Semifinal Fixtures

• Ssingo vs Bugerere
• Kyaggwe vs Buweekula

With three of the four semifinalists — Bugerere, Buweekula, and Kyaggwe — chasing their maiden title, the 2025 edition promises fireworks. Ssingo, the only past winner left standing, will be out to defend tradition against the new wave of hungry challengers.

Bugerere’s resurgence has sent their supporters into a frenzy, with dreams now shifting from survival to silverware. After 10 long years, their Masaza Cup story is being rewritten — and this time, they’re not just participants, but genuine contenders.