Masaza final more than a football game, Ssekabembe

With Saturday’s Masaza Cup final days away, the certainty that comes with Buganda loyalists meeting the Kabaka increases three-fold. The final which features first timers Busiro and 2008 champions Bulemeezi will see organisers roll out a series of activities they hope can continue to raise awareness on health initiatives spearheaded by the Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
According to Youth and Sports Minister Henry Ssekabembe, activities on the day will involve public HIV/Aids testing. Recently, the UN signed an MOU with the Buganda Kingdom to improve HIV/Aids awareness by tapping into the traditional leaders’ role. The Kabaka of Buganda has been using sport as a vessel to create awareness on fistula and sickle cells.
“People still have a fear over HIV/Aids testing and on Saturday, our leaders will assume the leading role,” Ssekabembe said in a special press conference at his offices in Mengo.
He added that special pennants with messages of HIV/Aids will be prepared for the captains as the kingdom continues health awareness campaigns. “All protocol on the matchday will highlight the campaigns against HIV/Aids,” he added.
The chairman of the organising committee Sulaiman Sejjengo has promised a carnivore-like atmosphere that emphasises fan engagement.
“Much fanfare has been included on the menu. In addition to the game itself, there will be tents at Namboole to cater for the fans who would like to watch the game on giant screens,” he said. Sejjengo said the final is all about celebrating the achievements of this season which has witnessed 19 players move to elite football with Sesse’a Denis Mwemezi (now at Vipers), the highlight of the campaign.

AIRTEL MASAZA CUP 2019
Final, Oct. 26 at Namboole
Busiro vs. Bulemeezi, 4pm
Classification game
Buddu vs. Kyadondo, 1pm