Budiope Saza advanced to the quarterfinals of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup after their rivals, Bugweri Saza, failed to honor their rescheduled match on Sunday.
The match, a crucial decider in the Bukowe Hill group, was originally abandoned in the 38th minute due to an injury to Budiope's goalkeeper, Musa Matende. The organizers rescheduled the match to Irundu Primary School playground in Buyende District.
However, Bugweri Saza opted to boycott the match, citing security concerns at the venue and a disagreement with the tournament's organizing committee. Grace Kaziba, Bugweri's team manager, explained their decision:
"Following all that we passed through, we had written to the TOC to have the rematch played on a neutral venue citing lack of security at Irundu Primary School playground but the committee did not consider our request, so we had to pull out of the tournament, to let Budiope go through."
David Mwesigwa, the tournament spokesperson, indicated that the organizing committee is awaiting a final report from the match officials before making a formal statement.
Despite the controversy, the tournament will continue with the quarterfinals scheduled for November 8th and 9th at Bugembe Stadium. Butembe, Busiki, Bugabula, Bunha, Buzaaya, Bukono, Kigulu, and Budiope have all secured their spots in the knockout stage.