Jimmy Kalema’s journey from the dusty football pitches of Kiboga to becoming one of Kitara FC’s most important players shows the impact of the Airtel Masaza Cup in developing football talent.
At just 23 years old, Kalema has already won two Masaza Cup titles, the Golden Boot, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award, and scored the winning goal that helped Kitara FC lift their second Stanbic Uganda Cup.
Born to Teopista Birungi and the late Ben Kimuli in Kiboga District, Kalema did not start his football career as a striker. While in primary school, he played as a left back before one of his coaches recognized his attacking ability and moved him upfront, a decision that changed his career.
He attended St. Andrews Primary School before joining St. Paul Kyamutwe (Rock Base) and later completed his primary education at St. Balikuddembe Primary School in Kyankwanzi District.
Kalema later joined Kiboga United FC, where he scored 11 goals in the FUFA Regional League while still in Senior Two. His performances earned him a place at Buddo Secondary School, where he continued to develop under coach Simon Peter Mugerwa.
His breakthrough came in 2022 when Mugerwa was appointed Busiro County head coach for the Airtel Masaza Cup and included Kalema in the team.
“I looked at this as a big opportunity and set myself a target of scoring at least four goals. I ended up scoring five and helped Busiro win the Masaza Cup,” Kalema says.
He later played for Mawokota in 2023 before joining Buweekula in 2024, where he helped the team finish third.
In 2025, Kalema returned to Buweekula determined to leave his mark on the tournament. He scored seven goals to win the Golden Boot, was named the Most Valuable Player, and helped Buweekula win their first Masaza Cup title since 2004.
His outstanding performances attracted Kitara FC, who signed him on a two-year contract even before the tournament ended.
“I played my last games for Buweekula while we were already in talks with Kitara FC. By the time we finished the final against Ssingo, my contract was almost complete,” he says.
Kalema has already repaid that faith by scoring the winning goal against SC Villa that earned Kitara FC the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
Despite interest from Express FC and URA FC, he chose Kitara because he believed the club would give him regular playing time and help him develop.
Kalema says the Airtel Masaza Cup played a big role in his success.
“The Masaza Cup gave me the chance to showcase my talent and improve as a player. It continues to help many young footballers achieve their dreams, just as it did for me,” he says.
He hopes to one day play for the Uganda Cranes and secure a professional move abroad.
“Work hard and build your career before chasing money. Money can finish, but good performances will always create more opportunities.”
Kalema is one of many players whose careers have been shaped by the Airtel Masaza Cup.
Buganda Kingdom Premier Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga says the tournament has become an important platform for developing talent while promoting unity and creating opportunities for young people.
“The Masaza Cup offers employment, builds unity and brings in revenue. It is a true platform for talent and transformation,” Mayiga says.
David Birungi, Manager Communications and Corporate Affairs at Airtel Uganda, says the company’s 13-year sponsorship of the tournament has helped produce players who have gone on to represent the Uganda Cranes and sign for professional clubs.
Since its launch in 2004, the Airtel Masaza Cup has become one of Uganda’s biggest football talent pathways.
For Jimmy Kalema, it was the competition that turned a talented boy from Kiboga into one of the country’s brightest young strikers.
