The Masaza Cup has been thrown into stormy waters after Butambala Ssaza chairman, Adam Ntale Golooba, passionately appealed against the sweeping sanctions imposed on his team by the Buganda Kingdom’s Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts.
The disciplinary hammer fell heavily on Butambala following their controversial group stage clash against Ssingo at Mityana Ssaza ground, which ended abruptly after chaos sparked by a disputed goal.
In its sternest decision yet, the Kingdom slapped two-year bans on 11 Butambala players, including Stewart Matovu, Kizito Derrick, Mathias Busuulwa, Tonny Opio, Asiku Frank, Daniel Bakaki, Wasswa Khasim, Douglus Rwotngeyo, Fredrick Ayebare, Abdul Kalman Nyenje, and Juma Kasizo.
Meanwhile, Chairman Golooba himself was banned indefinitely, Head of Technical Mukiibi Sulait received a two-year suspension, while Head Coach Paul Kiwanuka was handed a one-year ban.
But in an emotional and fiery statement, Golooba defended his actions, saying Butambala’s withdrawal from the pitch was to prevent “bloodshed and tragedy.”
“We had no fans in Mityana and our players were already annoyed with the goal we conceded. Had they gone back to the pitch, the outcome could have been disastrous. What we did was to save lives, not to disrespect football,” Golooba insisted.
He went further to challenge the minister’s decision, warning against politicizing the Kingdom’s treasured tournament:
“Minister, you cannot stop me from loving my King. Denying me from Masaza football is like denying me from serving my Kabaka. The King preaches transparency, and we stand firm because we know our decision was right.”
Golooba also openly questioned the suitability of the current Sports Minister, urging the Katikkiro to reconsider his appointment and rallying all people of Butambala to rise in protest against what he described as an unfair judgment.
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