A spectacle of unity, culture, and intense sporting rivalry took center stage in the Toro Kingdom on Sunday as the highly anticipated 2026 MTN and Plascon Toro Masaza Cup officially kicked off at Humura Playground in Kyegegwa District.
In a replay of last season’s fierce final, defending champions, Kyaka beat Fort Portal City Isaza 5-4 in penalties after a normal time stalemate to lift the curtain-raiser shield.
It is the fifth year that MTN-Uganda sponsors the football tournament and second year bankrolling netball championship.
“This tournament has grown extremely big and we are very excited to be a part of it. Every growth, it is incumbent upon us sponsors to also grow with the tournament. MTN has come up with additions to the tournament effective this year,” noted John Paul Okwi, the MTN-Uganda sponsorship and events manager.
Netball overall winner’s prize has been increased to Shs15m from Shs10m and in football, the overall winners will have Shs35m from the Shs25m previous prize money.
“This year, we shall be having prize money for the players of the match. Each team participating will be nominating one player who they think has represented them well and the central executive committee will decide on the two who the players of the match is. The winner will take Shs200,000 while the other player will have Shs100,000 in both football and netball,” announced Okwi.
As usual, MTN-Uganda confirmed prize money for the fans – with winners having Shs50,000 per match through the raffle draw while Momo pay vendors with the highest transactions will also have to cash to win.
There will be official celebrations of the winners in their respective counties.
Beyond the thrill of the pitch, this year’s tournament carries a profound social weight, blending the power of football with critical health advocacy.
The leadership of Toro Kingdom and local leaders have heavily anchored this edition on a combating the spread of HIV within the community, urging the youth to remain vigilant and protective of their lives.
No team has ever successfully defended the Amasaza Cup since corporate giants MTN and Kansai Plascon came on board. But Kyaka Team Manager, Adolf Kato Aboki, says his technical committee and newly signed elite squad are structured specifically to break that jinx.
The 2026 edition was officially launched by the Kingdom prime minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki.
