Masaza Cup committee imposes harsh sanctions on Butambala players and officials

The Buganda Kingdom has taken a firm stance against unsportsmanlike behavior in the Masaza Cup, handing down severe penalties to 11 Butambala players and three officials.

The sanctions come after a heated match between Butambala and Ssingo was prematurely ended due to a controversy surrounding a disputed goal.

The 11 players banned for two years include Stewart Matovu, Derrick Kizito, Frank Asiku, Douglas Rwotngeyo, Daniel Bakaki, Kasim Wasswa, Fredrick Ayebare, Mathias Busuulwa, Abdul Kalman Nyenje, Juma Kasizo and Tonny Opio.

Meanwhile the three officials were handed bans as follows;

– Hajji Adam Ntale Golooba (Team Chairman): Banned indefinitely

– Sulait Makumbi (Head of Technical): Banned for three years

– Paul Kiwanuka (Coach): Banned for one year.

The players and officials were accused of unsporting behavior, specifically abandoning the match against Ssingo on August 24, 2025, at Ssaza Grounds in Mityana.

The controversy arose when Ssingo scored an equalizer while three balls were on the field, prompting Butambala’s protest.

Buganda’s Minister for Sports, Youths, and Talent Development, Owek. Robert Serwanga, emphasized the importance of maintaining sportsmanship in the competition.

“I send a very serious warning to players and officials who exhibit the same behavior to take a step back.

Football should always win, and abandoning games shall never be an acceptable manner in the competition,” he stated.

“Let everyone stick to their designated role. A coach should remain a coach, a player be a player, and so do the fans”.