Masaza Cup: Kyagwe Edged Mawokota 1-0, Buddu Defeated Buluuri 2-1, Gomba Stuttered To 0-0 Draw

Lubwama Scored, Kalega Controlled: Kyagwe & Buddu Won As Gomba Held 📸 Credit to Masaza Media

The Masaza Cup exploded back into action yesterday as Uganda’s most loved inter-county tournament resumed with a day full of drama, quality football, and early statements of intent.

From Kyagwe’s perfect start at Buwamba to Buddu flexing muscle at Kitovu, and record champions Gomba being frustrated away from home, Day 1 gave fans everything they missed during the break. Three groups took to the pitch and none of the matches disappointed, with new signings announcing themselves, experienced players proving their class, and Man of the Match awards spread across all 8 counties in action.

In the Masengere group, all eyes were on Gomba as they began their campaign away to Busiro, but the record champions were held to a cagey 0-0 draw.

It was end-to-end stuff from the first whistle, with both sides creating chances and showing good football that had the fans entertained despite no goals. Busiro defended resolutely and hit on the break, and their discipline was rewarded when center-back Lutaaya Hamza was named Man of the Match for Busiro after a commanding display at the back.

At the same time in the group, Kyagwe made the perfect start to their title quest with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mawokota at Buwamba Playground.

New signing Lauben Lubwama, recruited from Busujju, needed just 24 minutes to introduce himself to Kyagwe fans, finishing clinically to score the only goal of the game. The forward was electric throughout and rightly walked away with the Man of the Match award.

While Kyagwe will celebrate a good start to their campaign, Mawokota will take positives from the performance and regroup ahead of their next fixture knowing they matched their opponents for long spells.

Over in the Muganzirwaza group at Mityana Ssaza Ground, Singo got their campaign off to a winning start by edging Kabula 2-1 in an entertaining contest. Kapio Shaluku and Luswabi Mathew scored the goals that gave Ssingo the three points, but Kabula refused to make it easy as Leku Amos Waga pulled one back to set up a tense finish.

Even in defeat, Kabula had a standout performer as Alemisa Kakuru was named Man of the Match for his tireless work rate and creativity.

The same group also saw Bugerere and Kooki share the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Opio David Ovamas found the net for Bugerere, but Octare Collins answered back for Kooki to ensure both sides took a point each.

Kooki’s Patrick Kirabo controlled midfield with maturity and was voted Man of the Match for his influence on the game, showing that Kooki have the quality to compete with the best in the group.

The Bulange group produced two more decisive results as Buddu and Busujju both began with victories.

At Kitovu Arena, Buddu announced themselves with a confident 2-1 win over Buluuri. Obedigui Ronald and Brian Tumusiime got on the scoresheet for the Lions of Buddu, while Rwothomio Derrick replied for Buluuri to keep the contest alive.

The standout performer was former Vipers SC midfielder Hassan Kalega, whose experience and control in the middle of the park earned him Man of the Match honors and showed why Buddu will be serious contenders again this year.

In the other Bulange fixture, Busujju ground out a 1-0 win thanks to a solitary strike from Mudul Peterson. It was not a flashy performance but it was effective, and Busujju will be happy to start with maximum points. Nooldeen Ssembatya was voted Man of the Match for his all-round contribution, proving that Busujju have leaders all over the pitch.

With Kyagwe firing early, Buddu looking sharp, and Gomba already dropping points, the 2026 Masaza Cup has started exactly how we expect it — unpredictable, competitive, and full of stories.