Kyaggwe began their 2026 Masaza Cup campaign with a statement of intent after Lauben Lubwama’s first-half strike secured a 1-0 away victory over Mawokota in Buwama at the weekend.
Lubwama, who joined Kyaggwe from Busujju, delivered the decisive moment as Kyaggwe opened their campaign with three points and renewed belief that this could finally be the year they end their long wait for the Masaza Cup.
Kyaggwe head coach Ronald Ssali, however, cautioned against getting carried away by the opening result, insisting that the championship will be won through consistency.
‘The Masaza Cup is a marathon, not a sprint. We shall continue treating every game with the attention it deserves until we achieve our objective of lifting the trophy. It has been elusive for Kyaggwe for a long time, but we believe this team has the character and quality to compete,’ Ssali said.
Butambala turn the page
Dathan Mubiru struck the only goal at Kibibi SS as Butambala edged Mawogola 1-0 to open their campaign with a timely win. The contest revived memories of last season’s group-stage exchange. Butambala triumphed 5-3 at home after losing 1-0 away. But this time, Mubiru, recruited from Buddu, made sure Butambala did not relive the frustrations of last year’s group-stage exit.
Two-time champions Ssingo also made a winning start, defeating Kabula 2-1 in Mityana. Bugisu United forward Shakulu Kapio and Matthew Luswabi scored for Ssingo, while Amos Waga Leku pulled one back for Kabula.
Ssingo are still carrying the scars of last season’s 1-0 final defeat to Buweekula, and their rebuilding task has been complicated by the departure of captain Shaban Kayongo as they chase a first Masaza Cup title since 2015.
Elsewhere, Bulemeezi secured a useful away point after drawing 1-1 with last season’s quarterfinalists Ssese at Lutoboka Ssaza Ground. David Ovamas Opio was again Bugerere’s main man as they drew 1-1 with Kooki in Ntenjeru. He scored for Bugerere before St Mary’s Kitende captain Collins Ocatre equalised for the visitors.
But record champions Gomba opened with a goalless draw against Busiro at Trinity College Nabbingo, extending a worrying pattern for the competition’s most decorated side.
Felix Ssekabuuza’s team have missed out on the knockouts in each of the past two seasons. Their opening draw, therefore, felt more like an early warning than a satisfactory start.
Sponsors backing
The 2026 Masaza Cup is again headlined by Airtel Uganda, which has supported the tournament as title sponsor since 2014.
Centenary Bank has committed Shs200m towards the 22nd edition, while Kansai Plascon continues its partnership with the tournament, which began in 2023.
Centenary Bank regional manager Oscar Francis Kiggundu said the bank was proud to support a competition that reaches deep into communities.
‘At Centenary Bank, we are proud to support a platform that not only showcases football talent but also promotes unity, discipline, cultural heritage and opportunities for young people across Buganda. We look forward to an exciting season that will inspire thousands of fans and aspiring athletes,’ Kiggundu said.
Airtel Masaza Cup
Weekend results
Butambala 1-0 Mawogola
Ssingo 2-1 Kabula
Bugerere 1-1 Kooki
Busiro 0-0 Gomba
Ssese 1-1 Bulemeezi
Mawokota 0-1 Kyaggwe
Busujju 1-0 Buvuma
Buddu 2-1 Buluuli