Busoga Masaza Cup 2026: Namayingo claim Bugiri derby 2-0 victory

Bukooli Namayingo defeated Bukooli Bugiri 2-0 in the 2026 MTN Busoga Masaza Cup on Sunday, 23 August, securing three points and local bragging rights in the Bugiri derby. The result was recorded at Namayingo Primary School, where the home side played before a full ground.

Eric Odiambo opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Nalugoda Yona sent the ball into his path inside the penalty area, allowing Odiambo to place his finish into the bottom-right corner and give Namayingo the advantage.

Bugiri changed their approach before the interval, replacing Joel Mulumba with Dan Magand in the 43rd minute. The visitors finished the first half with greater energy and continued to apply pressure after the restart as they searched for an equaliser.

Namayingo coach Were Yasin responded in the 70th minute by taking off captain Nalugoda Yona and Odiambo. Ochieng Derrick and Sanya Vincent came on as the hosts looked to maintain their intensity during a demanding derby.

Bugiri came close in the 84th minute when a loose ball from Isa Mugoya Gayanda reached the unmarked Sishisha Simon. His attempt, however, went straight at Namayingo goalkeeper Bwire Sidagaya. Three minutes later, Namayingo punished the visitors on the counter after Bugiri failed to clear another loose ball. Joseph Sida struck from distance to settle the contest.

Yasin said his team’s success came from working collectively and understanding the required result. He explained that the substitutions were intended to add fresh legs, while Namayingo’s deeper defensive shape was designed to deal with Bugiri’s use of long passes. Bugiri coach Kibogo Afan said his young players had shown too much respect to their opponents early on, although he felt their second-half changes improved the performance.

Sida was named Man of the Match and received UGX 200,000, while Bugiri’s Upendo Benjamin was awarded UGX 100,000 as runner-up. The prizes were provided by MTN.