The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II handing over the cup to the victors
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I George Kato’s 75th-minute strike secured a historic 1–0 victory at Wankulukuku, ending Kyaggwe’s long wait for their first crown and denying Gomba a sixth title in front of the Kabaka.
Kyaggwe finally wrote their name into the history books of the Buganda Masaza Cup after defeating five-time champions Gomba 1–0 in the 2026 final at Muteesa II Memorial Stadium in Wankulukuku.
The victory, achieved in the presence of the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, on November 1, 2026, handed Kyaggwe their maiden Masaza Cup title in the competition’s history, ending years of waiting and disappointment for the county.
It was a particularly significant achievement because Kyaggwe were appearing in only their second-ever final, having previously fallen short in 2024 when they lost 1–0 to Buddu at Namboole Stadium.
Two years after that painful defeat, the county returned to the biggest stage of Buganda’s traditional football competition and this time emerged victorious, overcoming one of the tournament’s most decorated teams.
The triumph also denied Gomba an opportunity to extend their record as the most successful county in Masaza Cup history, having previously won the competition five times.
George Kato delivers the historic moment
The decisive moment came in the 75th minute when second-half substitute George Kato Isingoma found the back of the net to give Kyaggwe the lead.
Kato’s goal broke the deadlock in a tightly contested encounter in which both teams had fought to gain control, with neither side willing to concede the advantage.
The substitute made the most of his opportunity, beating the Gomba goalkeeper at the near post to send Kyaggwe supporters into celebration.
Having taken the lead, Kyaggwe turned their attention to protecting their advantage against a Gomba side determined to force an equaliser.
Gomba increased the pressure during the closing stages, searching for a way back into the contest, but Kyaggwe’s defensive organisation and determination ensured that their opponents could not find a breakthrough.
The final whistle confirmed a 1–0 victory and triggered celebrations among players, officials and supporters who had waited decades to see their county lift the prestigious trophy.
Redemption after the 2024 heartbreak
For Kyaggwe, the triumph represented more than just another football victory. It was redemption after the disappointment of their previous final appearance in 2024.
On that occasion, they had reached the final with hopes of claiming their first Masaza Cup crown but lost 1–0 to Buddu at Namboole.
That defeat meant the county had to return to the drawing board and rebuild its campaign in pursuit of the elusive trophy.
Their 2026 triumph therefore marked the completion of a journey that had previously ended in disappointment.
It also placed Kyaggwe among the growing list of counties that have managed to break through and claim the coveted Buganda football championship.
For Gomba, meanwhile, the defeat was a setback in their quest to reinforce their dominance in the competition.
Having entered the final as five-time champions, they were seeking a sixth title but instead watched Kyaggwe celebrate their first.
The result also denied Gomba coach Felix Ssekabuuza an opportunity to secure successive Masaza Cup titles.
Ronald Ssali’s coaching milestone
Kyaggwe’s historic achievement also marked a significant coaching milestone for Ronald Ssali, who guided the county to its first Masaza Cup crown.
Working alongside William Kyeswa, Ssali was instrumental in the campaign that eventually delivered the long-awaited trophy.
The technical team’s decision to introduce Kato in the second half proved decisive, with the substitute producing the goal that separated the two finalists.
Their ability to organise the team defensively after taking the lead was equally important, particularly as Gomba intensified their search for an equaliser.
The victory will therefore be remembered not only for Kato’s decisive contribution but also for the collective effort that enabled Kyaggwe to withstand pressure from one of the competition’s most experienced sides.
Kabaka’s presence adds royal prestige
The final carried additional significance because it was graced by the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who also handed over the trophy to the champions.
The Kabaka’s presence underscored the cultural and traditional importance of the Masaza Cup, which brings together Buganda’s counties through football while promoting unity, identity and community participation.
The competition has grown into one of Uganda’s most followed football tournaments, attracting large crowds and providing a platform for emerging football talent.
For Kyaggwe, lifting the trophy before the Kabaka made an already historic achievement even more memorable.
Arijole wins individual recognition
Kyaggwe’s celebrations were further boosted when defender Godfrey Arijole was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
His recognition reflected his contribution to the team’s successful campaign, particularly its defensive resilience throughout the competition.
As champions, Kyaggwe received the Masaza Cup trophy, gold medals and a Shs25 million cash prize sponsored by Airtel Uganda.
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