Nakivubo reawakens with Masaza Cup grand finale

Masaza Cup final 2025 (3pm)

Ssingo v Buweekula, Nakivubo

Classification match (11:00 am)

Kyaggwe v Bugerere, Nakivubo

After a 12-year absence, Nakivubo War Memorial Grounds, now rebranded as Hamz Stadium, will once again host the final of the prestigious Masaza Cup tournament.

The venue, which holds the national record for the highest fan capacity in Ugandan football history, last staged the grand finale in 2013.

That year, Mawokota FC clinched the title with a dramatic 1–0 victory over Ssingo FC, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from former Uganda Cranes striker Farouk Miya.

This Saturday, the spotlight returns to the heart of Kampala as two-time Masaza Cup winners Ssingo FC face off against Buweekula FC. Both teams have painful memories of past finals at Nakivubo—Ssingo fell to Mawokota in 2013, while Buweekula suffered a 1–0 defeat to Bulemeezi in 2012.

To ensure smooth entry and crowd control, Masaza Cup Organizing Committee Chairman Haji Sulaiman Ssejjengo announced that all eight stadium gates have been assigned to specific spectator groups. “Each ticket is clearly marked with its corresponding gate, and we’ve printed just enough to match the stadium’s capacity—no extras,” he explained.

Security will be tight. Ssejjengo confirmed that a large team of personnel will be stationed at every gate and around the stadium perimeter. Experts will be on hand to detect counterfeit tickets and prevent unauthorized access.

Parking will be limited to 100 specially designated vehicles. Additional parking has been arranged at Lubiri Mengo and Nakivubo settlement. “We expect heavy congestion in the city center. Those without official parking stickers are advised to park outside the city for safety and convenience,” Ssejjengo advised.

Shops and businesses near the stadium will remain open unless owners choose to attend the match. Only authorised vendors will be allowed to sell food and drinks within the stadium.

Preparations are in full swing. On Thursday, third-place contenders Kyaggwe and Bugerere trained on the pitch—Kyaggwe in the morning, Bugerere in the evening. On Friday, finalists Buweekula and Ssingo FC followed suit, with morning and evening sessions respectively, fine-tuning their tactics ahead of the highly anticipated showdown.