Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, Calls for Discipline in Masaza Soccer Tournament

Mayiga decries hooliganism during Masaza soccer tournament.

The ban followed an investigation into the chaos that erupted after the semi-final return leg on October 16, 2022, against Buddu County at Kasana playground. The ban was contained in a ruling made on October 26, 2022, by the ethics and disciplinary committee, a copy of which Uganda Radio Network (URN) obtained. 

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has emphasised discipline in the Kingdom’s athletic events, particularly the Masaza football competition. He claims that hooliganism just impedes the development of games and sports. There is a history of hooliganism when the Bulemeezi County football club plays.

Football fans were denied entry to Kasana playground on Sunday, July 2, 2023, due to a clash between Bulemeezi and Butambala counties. The ban stemmed from the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA).

It came after Bulemeezi County was barred from competing in the event the previous year [2022] due to fan indiscipline.

Bulemeezi supporters were blamed for beating 11 Buddu fans and wrecking 13 automobiles, which made Buddu to refer the issue to the ethics committee.

Moving on, Bulemeezi accused Buddu followers of stealing and beating up people following the game. Bulemeezi has counter-accused Buddu followers of entering the stadium by force and without payment. To make its decision, the committee reviewed video material.

Four Bulemeezi players, Ssessazi Sulaiman, Oloya Habibu, Zizinga Ashraf, and Bagenda Abdul, were also suspended for two years. They were accused of attacking the match officials.

Speaking to the media shortly after the opening game between Bulemeezi, the defending champions, and Buluuli Counties at Kasana Playground in Luwero town council, Katikkiro Mayiga emphasised the importance of discipline in sports for both players and fans.

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Buluuli won the match, defeating Bulemeezi 1-0. This year’s event has three groups: Bulange, Muganzirwazza, and Masengere. Bulemeezi, Buddu, Kyadondo, Buluuli, Butambala, and Bugerere make up the Bulange group.

The Muganzirwazza group includes Gomba, Ssingo, Kyaggwe, Buweekula, Mawogola, and Kooki, whereas the Masengere group includes Mawokota, Buvuma, Kabula, Busujju, Ssese, and Busiro.

The matches will be held at several places throughout Buganda, including Magyo for Buvuma, Ntenjeru for Bugerere, and Lutoboka Playground for Ssese, among others.