David GOMBE
Following the return of football at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole in May 2024, the Masaza Cup Final also returned to Mandela National Stadium this year for the first time since the 2019 edition.
Kabaka Makes grand Return to Namboole
On 2nd November, 2022 His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II made a grand return to the stadium as Buddu triumphed to their third Masaza Cup crown with a narrow 1-0 win over Kyaggwe who were featuring in their first ever final.
This was the biggest event that Kabaka graced this year and his appearance brought a palpable excitement among thousands of his subjects.
He had last graced the 2021 edition final that was played at St.Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on March 6th 2022 between Buddu and Buweekula.
26th October, 2019 was the last time the Kabaka watched a Masaza Cup Final game at Namboole.
Onana welcomed by Man United fans at Namboole
Manchester United and Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana will forever remember 11th September, 2024. As Zimbabwe hosted Cameroon during the Group J of the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers, thousands of fans were already waiting to watch Onana live, chanting his name with placards.
The Man United shot-stopper was visibly humbled by the outpouring of love from his England club’s Ugandan fans.
He gave away his shoes, shin guards, and gloves to the fans in the stands after the match that ended goalless before being whisked away in a Toyota Premio amidst supporters battle to have a piece of him.
However his return to Namboole on 14th October was not attended by fans since Kenya who hosted Cameroon decided the game to be played under closed door.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa together with his son Timothy Rubandamayonza were the only Man United fans who benefited from Onana’s return to Uganda during their meeting with the goalie at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala. Onana promised to return to Uganda for his holidays in the summer.
