Buwekula merge victorious after silencing Ssingo Ssaza in the 2025 Masaza cup finals. The match played in the refurbished Hamz Stadium, popularly known as Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, Buwekula Ssaza team finally ended their long wait for Masaza Cup glory. They defeated Ssingo 1–0 in a tightly contested final to lift their first-ever Buganda Masaza Football Championship title.
The winning moment came in the 16th minute when Alex Taremwa netted the only goal of the match, sparking wild celebrations from Buwekula fans and players alike. The narrow victory was enough to crown them champions of the 2025 Masaza Cup, a tournament that continues to attract huge attention across Buganda and Uganda at large.
A Dream Come True for Coach Felix Ssekabuuza
This victory was particularly emotional for Coach Kawooya Felix Ssekabuuza, who guided Buwekula to their maiden title. For Ssekabuuza, this was not just another football win it was a long-awaited personal triumph.
Although this is his first Masaza Cup victory as a full head coach, Felix Ssekabuuza is no stranger to success. In the past, he played key roles in winning campaigns while serving as an assistant coach.
He worked under Coach Bisaso with Gomba FC in 2016, where they lifted the Masaza Cup, and later with Ssingo FC, contributing to their strong performances.
In 2023, Ssekabuuza was again part of the technical team that led Busiro to a memorable win against Buddu in the final, assisting Coach Simon Peter Mugerwa. However, until this 2025 victory, he had never won the tournament as a full head coach.
His first attempt as a head coach came with Kyaggwe Ssaza, but the campaign ended disappointingly at the group stage. Now, after years of persistence, learning, and rebuilding, Ssekabuuza has written his name in Buwekula’s football history as the man who delivered their first title.
The Long Road to Glory
Buwekula’s journey to this historic victory has been years in the making. Their rebuilding project can be traced back six years ago, when the team began laying foundations for future success. The management and technical team, led by Coach Frank Mulindwa, worked tirelessly between 2019 and 2022 to turn Buwekula into a competitive side.
Their biggest breakthrough before 2025 came in the 2022 Masaza Cup final, where they faced Buddu. Despite a spirited performance, Buwekula lost 2–0 in that match, with Buddu’s captain Marvin Kavuma and striker Bruno Bunyaga scoring the decisive second-half goals at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Even though they fell short, that final was a learning experience. It proved that Buwekula had the potential to challenge for the crown. They also had the tournament’s top scorer that year, Isaac Musiima, who scored six goals, highlighting the attacking strength within their ranks.
That 2022 squad included talented players such as Isaac Kwizera Onyango (GK), Alex Kizito, Emmanuel Yiga, Stuart Otunnu, Anthony Kirumira Kizito, Benard Alijuna, Ismail Tamubula, Michael Abura, Abdul Nsereko, Isaac Musiima, and captain Shafik Kakande. The team was coached by Frank Mulindwa, assisted by Prince Geoffrey Juuko.
Although Buddu triumphed that year under Coach Steven Bogere, Buwekula’s effort laid the foundation for what would later become their championship team.
Road to the 2025 Final
The 2025 Masaza Cup journey was not an easy one for Buwekula. They faced several strong opponents, including a tense semifinal clash against Kyaggwe Ssaza.
In the first leg of the semifinals played at their home ground in NTC Mubende, Buwekula suffered a narrow 0–1 loss to Kyaggwe. Many fans thought their hopes of reaching the final were fading. But the team refused to give up.
In the return leg played at Mukono Bishop Grounds, Buwekula fought back to win 1–0, forcing the tie into a penalty shootout. With determination and composure, they triumphed in penalties to secure a spot in the grand final.
That fighting spirit carried them into the Nakivubo final, where they faced an equally in-form Ssingo FC under Coach Hussein Mbalangu. The final was tense, physical, and emotional, befitting the biggest game in Buganda’s local football calendar.
Celebration and Farewell Moments
When the final whistle blew at Nakivubo, the crowd erupted in joy as Buwekula players, fans, and officials celebrated a long-awaited victory. Chants of “In Felix We Trust” filled the stadium, showing the faith fans had in their coach.
The celebrations were also emotional as Hajji Rajab Ssebulime, Buwekula’s long-serving team manager, announced his retirement immediately after the final.
“My dream was to win the trophy, and indeed I have achieved it. My days as team manager are done, and I want to announce that I will not return next season,” he said emotionally.
Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s representative, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, congratulated Buwekula on their historic triumph.
“We congratulate you for winning the Masaza Cup 2025,” he said. “This victory reflects the unity, hard work, and sportsmanship that the Masaza tournament is meant to promote.”
Tournament Awards and Records
The Top Scorer Award went to Jimmy Kalema of Buwekula, who finished the tournament with eight goals.
“Being a top scorer is not an easy journey,” Kalema said during the celebrations. “I thank my coaches, teammates, and all our fans who stood by us throughout the tournament.”
In the third-place playoff, Kyaggwe defeated Bugerere 1–0 to secure the bronze position.
Meanwhile, Gomba Ssaza, the record holders with five Masaza Cup titles had a disappointing campaign this year. Despite heavy investment in their squad, they failed to progress beyond the group stage, a major upset in this year’s edition.
A New Chapter in Buwekula’s Football History
The 2025 Masaza Cup victory has opened a new chapter for Buwekula. After years of building, near-misses, and heartbreak, they finally achieved their dream. This title is not only a victory for the team but also for the people of Mubende, who have supported their Ssaza team passionately over the years.
Coach Felix Ssekabuuza now joins the list of respected names who have lifted the Masaza Cup, and his journey from assistant coach to champion head coach serves as an inspiring story of resilience and growth.
For Buwekula, this is just the beginning. With a strong technical setup, talented players, and unwavering fan support, they have proved that persistence pays off. Their long wait is finally over the Masaza Cup has found a new home in Mubende.
Final Result:
Buwekula 1–0 Ssingo
Goal: Alex Taremwa (16’)
Masaza Cup 2025 Champions: Buwekula Ssaza
Runner-up: Ssingo Ssaza
3rd Place: Kyaggwe Ssaza
Top Scorer: Jimmy Kalema – 8 goals
Venue: Hamz Stadium (Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium)