Bugerere Unveil 25-Man Squad as Six New Signings Boost Masaza Cup Title Bid
Bugerere unveil 25-man squad for the Masaza Cup, adding six experienced players to bolster title hopes ahead of fixtures in Mubende with a June 13 kickoff.
Bugerere have announced a 25-man squad for the 2026 Masaza Cup as they prepare to chase the title at the National Teachers’ College playgrounds in Buwekula, Mubende District.
The squad was presented at Ntenjeru Ssaza Grounds in Kayunga District, where team officials outlined plans to improve on last season’s semi-final exit.
Manager Andrew Ssekitto said the reinforced roster and recent preparation program are aimed at delivering a stronger campaign when the tournament begins on June 13.
Squad unveiled at Ntenjeru Ssaza Grounds
Bugerere’s official roster contains 25 players selected to contest the Masaza Cup after a series of trials and training sessions.
The unveiling ceremony attracted local officials, supporters and technical staff who watched as the squad was named and explanations given about tactical balance and leadership.
Team management emphasized a mix of youth and senior presence designed to provide both energy and experience across match situations.
Six senior recruits brought in to add leadership
Club officials confirmed six experienced players have been signed to strengthen key departments and add leadership on the pitch.
Those additions are intended to shore up the spine of the team — providing stability in defence, control in midfield and options in attack — and to mentor younger squad members.
Management described the recruits as proven performers at regional level whose presence should raise standards in training and match days.
Preparation phase and friendly setback against Bulemeezi
Bugerere concluded their final phase of preparations with a build-up friendly against Bulemeezi, a match they lost 1-0.
Ssekitto downplayed the result, saying the scoreline did not capture the quality of training and cohesion observed in the squad, and pointed to constructive lessons taken from the match.
The technical team has since focused on refining set-piece routines, defensive organisation and transitional play ahead of competitive fixtures.
Group draw places Bugerere in Muganzirwazza section
The draw placed Bugerere in the Muganzirwazza group alongside Ssingo, Kooki, Butambala and Kabula, setting up a competitive group stage.
Bugerere will open their campaign against Kooki on June 21, a fixture officials say is crucial for momentum and confidence in the early rounds.
Team strategists have highlighted the need for consistency across the group phase, where goal difference and discipline often decide progression in closely matched pools.
Reflection on last season’s campaign and areas to improve
Bugerere enter the tournament determined to improve on last year’s performance, when they were eliminated 2-1 by Ssingo in the semi-finals and later lost the third-place playoff 1-0 to Kyaggwe.
Coaches have identified defensive lapses in high-pressure moments and limited clinical finishing as focal points for correction during the final training block.
The addition of seasoned players is expected to address both leadership and composure in tight matches where experience can be decisive.
Local leadership calls for discipline and cultural unity
Bugerere County Chief (Mugerere) Samuel Ssemugooma used the squad unveiling to urge supporters, officials and players to maintain discipline throughout the tournament.
Ssemugooma reiterated the intent behind the Masaza Cup as articulated by Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, framing the competition as a vehicle for unity, cultural celebration and local development.
His appeal emphasized that the event should showcase sportsmanship and cultural values alongside competitive football.
Bugerere’s technical staff have outlined a tactical plan that blends controlled possession with rapid transitions to exploit space behind opposition defences.
Coaches plan to rotate personnel through the early group fixtures to assess combinations and guard against fatigue in a compact tournament schedule.
Set pieces and defensive organization will be drilled intensively given the narrow margins observed in knockout games last season.
Fan engagement and logistics have also been prioritised by the club, which is coordinating travel, accommodation and match-day arrangements to ensure players can focus on performance.
Supporters have been encouraged to travel responsibly and to back the team in a manner that upholds the cultural and communal spirit of the Masaza Cup.
The opening fixtures, starting with the June 13 commencement of the tournament and Bugerere’s June 21 match against Kooki, will provide the first concrete assessments of the squad’s readiness.
Should the newly signed seniors integrate smoothly and the younger players respond to tactical demands, Bugerere will present a credible challenge for a place in the latter stages.
Coaches and officials have set a pragmatic target of advancing from the group and competing strongly in the knockout rounds, while acknowledging the depth of competition across the field.
Support from the local community remains a critical component of Bugerere’s campaign, with officials calling for organised backing that emphasizes respect and order.
Organisers hope that disciplined but passionate support will reinforce the team’s on-pitch efforts and reflect the Masaza Cup’s role as a cultural festival as well as a sporting competition.
Bugerere will now finalise travel plans and continue targeted training sessions before departing for Mubende, aiming to enter the tournament fit, focused and tactically coherent.
If the integration of the six experienced additions proceeds as planned and the squad responds to the technical staff’s adjustments, Bugerere stand to be markedly stronger than in the previous edition.
The coming weeks will reveal whether preparation, squad depth and local support can combine to propel Bugerere deeper into the Masaza Cup and revive hopes of lifting the trophy.
