Kyaggwe have been crowned 2026 Airtel Masaza Cup champions after edging five-time winners Gomba 1-0 in a closely contested final at Muteesa II Memorial Stadium in Wankulukuku on Saturday.
The victory secured Kyaggwe’s maiden Masaza Cup title, rewarding a determined campaign that saw the county overcome several challenges to reach the final and eventually lift one of Buganda Kingdom’s most celebrated football trophies.
Kyaggwe’s triumph was witnessed by the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, Princess Katrina Ssangalyambogo and the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, alongside other dignitaries and thousands of supporters who filled the stadium for the eagerly anticipated showdown.
The final brought together two sides with contrasting ambitions. Kyaggwe were seeking their first championship after falling short in the 2024 final against Buddu, while Gomba entered the contest hoping to add a sixth title to their record as the competition’s most successful county.
For Kyaggwe, the victory marked a significant milestone in the county’s football history, ending years of waiting for the Masaza Cup crown.
The team demonstrated resilience throughout the knockout stages, securing a place in the final after eliminating Bugerere in the semi-finals. Kyaggwe won the first leg 1-0 before holding Bugerere to a goalless draw in the return leg, advancing 1-0 on aggregate.
Their disciplined approach carried into the final against Gomba, where a single goal proved decisive in settling the contest and sending their supporters into celebration.
Gomba, meanwhile, had reached the final after an impressive semi-final performance against Butambala. The five-time champions won the first leg 2-0 and completed a 3-0 aggregate victory after securing another 1-0 win in the return leg.
Despite their experience in the competition, Gomba were unable to find the goal needed to force their way back into the final, leaving Kyaggwe to celebrate a historic achievement.
The attendance of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II and other Buganda Kingdom leaders added significance to the occasion, reflecting the Masaza Cup’s importance beyond the football field.
The annual tournament brings together counties across Buganda in a competition that combines sporting rivalry with cultural identity, community pride and the development of local football talent.
For many supporters, the competition is also an opportunity to rally behind their respective counties, strengthen community connections and celebrate Buganda’s sporting heritage.
The presence of Princess Katrina and Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga further highlighted the kingdom’s continued involvement in an event that attracts widespread public interest.
Gomba had entered the final with the experience of previous championship campaigns and the ambition of extending their record in the competition. However, Kyaggwe’s narrow victory denied them the opportunity to claim a sixth crown.
The result also marked a breakthrough for Kyaggwe, who had returned to the final after their unsuccessful attempt in 2024.
As celebrations continued following the final whistle, the team’s achievement stood out as the defining moment of the 2026 edition, with Kyaggwe emerging as champions after a closely fought contest at Wankulukuku.
The victory gives the county a landmark achievement to celebrate and adds another chapter to the history of the Airtel Masaza Cup, a tournament that continues to unite communities across Buganda through football.
