The 2025 Masaza Cup was thrown into turmoil on Sunday after Butambala Ssaza FC abandoned their match against Ssingo at Ssaza Grounds in Mityana, following a disputed equalizer that sparked protests and ultimately led to the game’s abandonment.
Butambala had taken the lead in the 28th minute through Daniel Bakaki and looked set for a vital away victory. However, in the 75th minute, Ssingo scored under controversial circumstances, with three balls simultaneously on the pitch.
While the assistant referee flagged the irregularity, center referee Hassadu Ssemere allowed the goal to stand after consultation, infuriating Butambala players and fans. Tensions escalated as five Butambala players were booked for dissent before the technical bench ordered the squad off the field, effectively ending the contest.
Team manager Hajji Adam Ggolooba Ntale criticized the handling of the incident, saying his team could not continue under such conditions. “We have written to the Masaza Tournament Committee and are waiting for their response,” Ntale said, adding that an appeal for intervention to Buganda’s Minister of Sports Robert Sserwanga had gone unanswered at the time.
Butambala officials accuse the refereeing panel of undermining fair play in a tournament they described as prestigious and historic.
The Masaza Organising Committee has yet to issue an official statement, but pressure is mounting for a review of the chaotic scenes in Mityana.
