Gomba will chase a record-extending sixth Masaza Cup title while Kyaggwe seek to end a 22-year wait for glory when the two sides meet in Saturday’s final at Muteesa II Wakulukuku Stadium.

For Gomba, the occasion offers an opportunity to reclaim a trophy they last won in 2020, when they beat Buddu 3-1. For Kyaggwe, it is a chance to crown a remarkable campaign by lifting their first title since 2004.

The stakes extend beyond the trophy, with both camps mobilising supporters and promising substantial rewards in a final expected to attract a sizeable crowd.

Gomba coach Felix Ssekabuuza, who guided Buweekula to last year’s triumph, is targeting successive titles after overseeing another campaign that has raised expectations among the county’s supporters.

“We are hungry for this victory,” Ssekabuuza said. “We have worked very hard and we have given our fans hope of winning this title again.”

Gomba’s preparations have been accompanied by significant local mobilisation, with supporters rallying behind a team determined to add another championship to its collection.

Team manager Resty Mbatidde Namugema said the side had benefited from an early start to preparations and confidence in the technical team.

“This season we had early preparations and we got the right players and coaches. We have the best coach,” she said.

Namugema added that the team planned to spend Friday night in Kampala alongside some of its supporters as they prepare for the decisive contest.

The prospect of winning a sixth title has also attracted financial incentives. Local mobilisation has gathered momentum, with Yiga Kisakyamukama, the Special Presidential Assistant on Service Delivery and Monitoring, pledged Shs25m for every goal scored by Gomba, raising the stakes in a contest where every scoring opportunity could carry added significance.

 

Kyaggwe bank on defence

Kyaggwe will need to withstand Gomba’s attacking threat if they are to end their 22-year wait for the Masaza Cup title. Their campaign has been built on defensive discipline, organisation and the ability to manage tight contests.

Gomba have their own key performers, led by captain and defender Herbert Onen, one of the side’s most consistent players, and leading scorer Mohammed Kasule, who has netted six goals. 

The tactical contest between Kyaggwe coach Ronald Ssali and Ssekabuuza could determine where the trophy ends up. Ssali has fashioned a well-organised unit, but his challenge will be to maintain that defensive solidity while finding ways to trouble Gomba at the other end.

“We have prepared well for this final and the players understand what is at stake. We respect Gomba, but we believe in our team and the work we have done. We must remain disciplined, take our chances and finish what we started,” Ssali said.

Kyaggwe will be appearing in their second final in three years after losing to Buddu in 2024. That defeat has added motivation to a team whose supporters have waited more than two decades for the county to return to the summit.

The anticipation has sparked significant mobilisation in Mukono, where supporters are preparing for what they hope will be a historic celebration. Several of the town’s popular entertainment venues have organised post-match parties in expectation of a Kyaggwe victory, while some fans plan to sleep near the stadium on Friday night to beat the National Cleaning Day restrictions.

But Gomba are also mobilising heavily, with their supporters determined to turn the final into a celebration of a sixth crown.

Final amid cleaning day restrictions

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has declined to grant the organisers a waiver, forcing supporters and officials to reconsider their travel plans.

With movement expected to be affected, some supporters are planning to travel to Kampala early and sleep near the stadium on Friday night.

Gomba supporters are making similar preparations, with the team and some fans planning to spend Friday night in Kampala.

Organisers have moved kick-off to 4pm to give supporters more time to access the venue, although the restriction is likely to make crowd management and early arrival critical.

Masaza Cup winners since 2004