Back home, hundreds of jubilant Kyaggwe supporters braved the evening drizzle, lining the streets in Mukono town centre to celebrate the historic victory.
Kyaggwe ended a 22-year wait for Buganda Masaza Cup glory in dramatic fashion on Saturday, with substitute George Kato scoring a late winner to sink five-time champions Gomba 1–0 and send thousands of supporters into wild celebrations at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
The decisive moment came in the closing stages when George Kato, introduced from the bench by coach Ronald Ssali, beat the Gomba goalkeeper at his near post to spark celebrations among Kyaggwe supporters who had filled the stadium.
The victory ended Kyaggwe’s long search for the prestigious trophy since the competition was revived in 2004, rewarding a team that had endured years of disappointment, including losing the 2024 final.
For Gomba, the defeat was a setback in their quest to extend their record with a sixth championship, having entered the final as one of the tournament’s most successful sides.
The two teams had proved evenly matched during the group stages, drawing 1–1 in both encounters played at Kabulasoke in July and August. However, Kyaggwe found the breakthrough when it mattered most, holding their nerve to protect Kato’s goal until the final whistle.
Kyaggwe’s captain later received the championship trophy from the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, in a ceremony attended by thousands of football enthusiasts.
The champions walked away with sh25m and gold medals, while midfielder Godfrey Arijole was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player in recognition of his outstanding performances.
Despite missing out on the title, Gomba received sh22m for finishing runners-up. Their forward Meddie Kasule took home the Golden Boot after scoring six goals, while Mawogola’s Herbert Masaba was recognised as the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper.
Earlier, Butambala claimed third place after defeating Bugerere 1–0 in the bronze medal playoff. Dathan Mubiru scored the only goal in the 82nd minute to secure the victory.
Butambala also collected the Fair Play Award and Most Improved Team accolade, while Bugerere’s Ssaza chief, Owek. Samuel Ssemugoma, was recognised for attending the highest number of matches.
The final also highlighted the continued involvement of Kansai Plascon Uganda, which has sponsored the competition since 2023, alongside its support for Buddu FC.
Daniel Kayongo, the company’s Head of Marketing, congratulated both finalists, describing the tournament as an important platform for nurturing football talent and strengthening community identity.
He singled out Kato’s match-winning contribution as an example of how players can make a lasting impact regardless of whether they start a match or come on as substitutes.
The competition kicked off in June with defending champions Buweekula facing Kyaddondo in the opening fixture, bringing together 18 Buganda counties in a contest that attracts massive community support.
For Kyaggwe, however, Saturday’s result will be remembered beyond the celebrations and prize money. It was the day years of waiting finally ended, as the county joined Buganda’s Masaza Cup champions for the first time.
Back home, hundreds of jubilant Kyaggwe supporters braved the evening drizzle, lining the streets in Mukono town centre to celebrate the historic victory. They blew vuvuzelas and whistles, while others staged celebratory motorcade processions along the Kampala–Jinja Highway and Mukono–Bugerere Road, bringing sections of the town to life.
The celebrations continued on Sunday, when mammoth crowds turned out to welcome the victorious team and the trophy. In a procession that drew excitement along the route, supporters escorted the players in a triumphant march from Mukono town to their home ground at Bishop Senior School playground, where the celebrations continued.
