Players participating in this year’s Airtel Masaza Cup have been urged to use football as a platform to champion the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The call was made on Wednesday during the launch of the 22nd edition of the tournament at Bulange Gardens in Mengo.
The competition, which brings together all 18 counties of Buganda Kingdom, will kick off on Saturday, June 13, with Buweekula taking on Kyaddondo at Mubende NTC Playground. This year’s tournament is being held under the theme: “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and End HIV/AIDS by 2030.”
Speaking at the launch, the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, urged players to become ambassadors in the fight against HIV/AIDS, emphasizing football’s unique ability to mobilize communities.
“Football mobilizes communities, and as we all understand, the Kabaka is the goodwill ambassador in the fight against HIV. I encourage the captains of the different teams to be our champions and ambassadors in this fight against HIV, which I am sure they can do very successfully,” Mayiga said.
He noted that beyond entertainment, the tournament plays a key role in talent identification and economic empowerment.
“The tournament helps discover and promote talent while providing a source of income for both professional and amateur athletes. We hope young people realize the opportunities that exist not only in playing the game but also in supporting and benefiting from it,” he added.
Mayiga further emphasized football’s role in fostering unity and social cohesion.
“We rely on sports to unite people within Buganda and across Uganda. Football is a platform that builds cohesion, promotes discipline, and inspires young people to be responsible both on and off the pitch.”
The Managing Director of Airtel Uganda, Soumendra Sahu, commended Buganda Kingdom for its efforts in nurturing grassroots football talent and reaffirmed Airtel’s commitment to supporting both sports development and public health initiatives.
“We thank the Kabaka of Buganda and the Katikkiro for supporting grassroots football development through the Masaza and Bika tournaments. As Airtel Uganda, we are honored to continue this partnership, which focuses on developing football talent while uniting communities around important causes such as HIV/AIDS awareness and behavioral change.”
Sahu also highlighted Airtel’s investments in expanding connectivity across the country.
“We rolled out nearly 450 new towers across Uganda, representing the largest annual investment in network expansion in the past decade. We invite our customers to take advantage of Airtel Smart Connect services and enjoy broadband opportunities, including streaming the Airtel Masaza Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
He added that the partnership extends beyond football by creating opportunities for young people and promoting healthy lifestyles.
A representative from UNAIDS praised Buganda Kingdom for leveraging football as a tool for positive health transformation.
“Football brings people together, especially young people, making this tournament much more than a sporting event. It is also a powerful platform for health, unity, and positive change. Let us use the energy of sport to promote health, inclusion, and hope across all communities.”
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Hajji Sulaiman Ssejjengo, assured fans of a well-organized tournament and urged players and team officials to adhere to the revised competition regulations.
Meanwhile, Buganda Minister for Sports, Robert Serwanga, hailed the Masaza Cup as a unifying force, revealing that more than 185,000 fans attended matches last season, while over 10 million people followed the tournament through social media platforms.
Serwanga pledged an even better competition this year, noting that the number of trained pitch managers has increased from 100 to more than 500. He also disclosed that 148 journalists have been accredited to cover the tournament, a move expected to expand its reach and visibility.
