Kyaggwe crowned 2026 Masaza Cup champions after beating Gomba

1 November 2026, 10:53 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Kyaggwe County have been crowned champions of the 2026 Buganda Masaza Cup after defeating Gomba in the final played yesterday at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, in Makindye Division.

The Kabaka of Buganda, His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, joined his subjects at the stadium to witness the final, which saw Kyaggwe secure victory through Kato’s goal in the 78th minute of the second half.

In the third-place playoff played at the same venue, Butambala finished third after securing victory over their opponents.

The tournament organisers said the competition is not only intended to promote football but also provides a platform to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, particularly among men, whom they urged to take the lead in the fight against the disease to protect the girl child.

For Kyaggwe, the victory marked their first Masaza Cup title since the 18 traditional counties of Buganda began participating in the tournament in 2004.

Gomba, who had previously won the competition five times, missed the opportunity to secure a sixth title in their 11th final appearance.

Joyful Kyaggwe supporters described the victory as a historic achievement, saying it would motivate the team to pursue more trophies in future competitions.

They expressed satisfaction that their long wait for the title had finally ended, recalling their previous unsuccessful attempts, including losing a recent final.

“We are happy that finally we have won this trophy. For sure, we have been trying so much. Remember, recently we were beaten in the finals. But today, God has remembered us,” the supporters said.

They, however, urged the coaching team not to relax, saying the team should remain focused on winning more titles.

Meanwhile, the coaches appreciated the Buganda Kingdom for organising the tournament, saying it brings people together, not only among the Baganda but also other communities living within the traditional counties and football lovers.

The Katikkiro of Buganda also thanked the Kabaka for attending the final and congratulated Kyaggwe upon their victory.

Among the dignitaries who attended the event were the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Hon. David Muhoozi, Hon. Betty Nambooze and Ssangalyambogo, among other leaders.

In his remarks, the Katikkiro reiterated the importance of using the tournament to promote awareness about HIV/AIDS, particularly encouraging men to take responsibility in protecting the girl child.

“I thank His Majesty the Kabaka for gracing the finals. And I congratulate the winners, Kyaggwe. But we shouldn’t forget the main impact of the tournament, which is creating awareness to fight HIV/AIDS, and men should spearhead this campaign to save the girl child,” he said.

Kyaggwe received UGX 25 million as prize money, while runners-up Gomba took home UGX 22 million. Third-placed Butambala received UGX 20 million. All three teams were also awarded medals.