MTN injects Shs 550m into Busoga Kingdom Masaza tourney

What the report says

The Observer reported that MTN Uganda has committed Shs 550 million to support the ninth edition of the Busoga Kingdom Masaza Tournament, a cultural football competition involving teams from Busoga’s chiefdoms. The tournament is expected to begin on August 15, 2026, at Namutumba district headquarters in Busiki chiefdom, with 14 teams taking part.

According to the report, the prize structure will award Shs 13 million to the champions, Shs 9 million to the runners-up, Shs 6 million to the third-placed side and Shs 4 million to the fourth-placed team. MTN Uganda’s manager for sponsorships and events, John Paul Okwi, said the sponsorship is intended to support football, community engagement and opportunities for young people. The tournament will also include player-of-the-match rewards at each game, with Shs 200,000 for the selected winner and Shs 100,000 for the second nominee.

The Observer reported that this year’s theme focuses on the role of men in helping prevent teenage pregnancy. Ahmed Osman Noor, Busoga Kingdom’s second deputy prime minister, described the tournament as a platform for unity, talent identification and public messaging, while calling for integrity and fair competition.

The sponsorship package also includes fan and merchant promotions. Match-day spectators using eligible MTN services may win cash prizes, social media participants will be rewarded for engaging posts under the tournament hashtag, and selected merchants using digital payments at venues will receive incentives. The tournament matters beyond sport because it combines cultural identity, youth football development and community awareness campaigns in the Busoga sub-region.