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David GOMBE

Airtel Uganda has formally renewed its partnership with the Buganda Kingdom for the twenty second version of the Airtel Masaza Cup Event, reinforcing its dedication to youth empowerment, neighborhood improvement and sports activities progress throughout Uganda.The Airtel Masaza Cup, certainly one of Uganda’s most celebrated cultural and sporting occasions, brings collectively all 18 counties of the Buganda Kingdom in a contest that has turn into an important platform for nurturing soccer expertise and selling social cohesion.

Talking on the launch, Airtel Uganda Managing Director and CEO, Soumendra Sahu, expressed appreciation to the Buganda Kingdom for its continued imaginative and prescient and dedication to grassroots soccer improvement.

“Right now, as we launch the twenty second version of the Airtel Masaza Cup, we’re grateful to His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda and the Katikkiro for his or her imaginative and prescient and dedication to supporting grassroots soccer improvement by the Masaza Cup and Bika Tournaments,” stated Sahu.
He added, “As Airtel Uganda, we’re honored to proceed this partnership, which not solely develops soccer expertise throughout the nation but additionally unites communities round necessary social causes. The event has turn into a platform for driving optimistic behavioral change by initiatives comparable to HIV/AIDS consciousness, Emmwanyi Terimba, and different community-focused applications.”
The 2026 event will formally kick off with defending champions Buweekula internet hosting Kyaddondo on the Nationwide Academics’ School Grounds in Mubende.

The event will then proceed with fixtures throughout the dominion, drawing hundreds of passionate followers from all 18 counties competing for this 12 months’s title.
Whereas launching the event, the Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, expressed his pleasure in regards to the new season and the continued help from Airtel and different companions.
“I’m delighted to launch one other Airtel Masaza Cup season and equally happy that Ugandans and our companions proceed to stroll this journey with us as we promote expertise, advance sports activities improvement, and strengthen the battle in opposition to HIV/AIDS in Uganda,” he stated.

Owek. Mayiga emphasised the position of sports activities in fostering unity and nationwide improvement saying “Buganda depends on sports activities to unite folks throughout the Kingdom and throughout Uganda. The Masaza Cup brings collectively folks from completely different backgrounds and areas, making a shared sense of function and id. Many gamers who’ve represented Uganda on the nationwide degree first showcased their expertise within the Masaza Cup earlier than happening to fly the nationwide flag.”

He additional famous that soccer stays a strong device for neighborhood mobilization, notably in advancing well being campaigns.
“As you’re conscious, His Majesty the Kabaka is a Goodwill Ambassador within the battle in opposition to HIV/AIDS. Via soccer and different sporting actions, we’re in a position to mobilize communities and unfold necessary well being messages that enhance lives.”

The Katikkiro additionally recommended Airtel and different companions for his or her unwavering help of Buganda Kingdom initiatives through the years.
“Airtel has persistently supported key Kingdom applications, together with the Kabaka Birthday Run, the Bika Event, Coronation celebrations, and the Masaza Cup.

“We’re grateful for his or her willingness to stroll with us on this journey. When Airtel helps Kingdom initiatives, it does so within the spirit of serving our folks, and we encourage the folks of Buganda and Uganda to reciprocate by supporting Airtel’s services and products. We worth this mutually useful relationship and sit up for strengthening it additional.”
For over 20 years, the Airtel Masaza Cup has served as a unifying platform for communities throughout Buganda, attracting hundreds of followers and offering alternatives for rising soccer expertise to showcase their talents.
“Via initiatives aligned with this event, Airtel stays dedicated to creating pathways, whether or not by connectivity, digital instruments, or direct help, that give younger Ugandans a real shot at a greater future.” Sahu concluded