A contest between history Vs Hunger anticipated at Wankulukuku (Photo by Leilah)
David GOMBE
The 2026 Airtel Masaza Cup will climax this Saturday, 31st October 2026 at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, with record champions Gomba Lions facing Kyaggwe in a highly anticipated final.
It’s a clash of history versus hunger
Gomba are seeking a record-extending sixth crown in what will be their 11th final appearance, while Kyaggwe are aiming for their maiden title in only their second final.
Gomba are under the stewardship of last year’s winning coach with Buweekula, Felix Ssekabuuza, whereas Ronald Ssali is in charge of Kyaggwe.
Head-to-Head This year
Interestingly, the two finalists were in the Masengere group this year and have already met twice.
Their first meeting at Kabulasoke PTC Stadium on July 19 ended 1-1, before they shared spoils again in a 1-1 draw at Bishops SS Stadium, Mukono on August 23.
Kyaggwe finished top of the group with 23 points from 10 matches (7W, 2D, 1L) while Gomba were second on 19 points (5W, 4D, 1L).
Road to the Final
Gomba’s Route: The Lions booked their place after edging rivals Buddu 3-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, before producing a commanding performance to beat Butambala 3-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
Kyaggwe’s Route: On the other side, Kyaggwe saw off Mawogola 5-2 on aggregate in the quarters and then overcame Bugerere 1-0 over the two-legged semi-final to reach their second final following the 2024 edition.
Players to Watch
Gomba will look up to tournament top scorer Meddie Kasule with 6 goals for glory, while Lauben Lubwama with 5 goals will be expected to light up Kyaggwe’s attack.
Last Final Appearance
Gomba last reached the final in 2023, losing 1-0 to Bulemeezi at Wankulukuku the same venue for Saturday’s final. Gomba’s last triumph was in 2020, they also won the trophy in 2004, 2009, 2014, 2017 and 2020.
Kyaggwe lost 1-0 to Buddu in their first ever final at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole in 2024.
Match Officials
FIFA Referee Ronald Kikabi has been appointed to handle the final. He will be assisted by Ivan Ssenfuka (AR1) and Joseph Bbosa (AR2). Ibrahim Miiro will serve as Reserve Referee, with Brian Miiro Nsubuga as Referee Assessor. Abbey Ssentongo is the General Match Coordinator and Daniel Yenka is the Assistant General Coordinator.
The curtain-raiser, the third-place playoff between losing semi-finalists Bugerere and Butambala, will be handled by Joseph Masembe, assisted by Frank Kakuddu and Isaac Ssentongo. Edward Ssekajugo is Reserve Referee, Mark Ssonko Referee Assessor, Mansoor Kabugo GMC, and Gerald Katamba AGC.
Teams With Most Titles:
Gomba: 5, Mawokota: 3, Buddu: 3, Bulemeezi: 3, Ssingo: 2, Buweekula: 1, Busiro: 1, Buluuli: 1, Kyaddondo: 1, Kooki: 1
Past Masaza Cup winners:
2004 – Gomba
2005 – Mawokota
2006 – Kooki
2007 – Mawokota
2008 – Kyaddondo
2009 – Gomba
2010 – Not held
2011 - Buluuli
2012 – Bulemeezi
2013 – Mawokota
2014 – Gomba
2015 – Ssingo
2016 – Buddu
2017 – Gomba
2018 – Ssingo
2019 – Bulemeezi
2020 – Gomba
2021 – Buddu
2022 - Busiro
2023 – Bulemeezi
2024 – Buddu
2025 – Buweekula