Gomba, Butambala, Kyaggwe and Bugerere reach the Buganda Masaza Cup 2026 semi-finals. See the results, fixtures and key storylines
The Buganda Masaza Cup 2026 has reached its decisive stage, with Gomba, Butambala, Kyaggwe and Bugerere confirmed as the four semi-finalists following a tense weekend of quarter final return legs.
Five-time champions Gomba will face first-time semi-finalists Butambala, while Kyaggwe meet neighbouring Bugerere in the Ssezibwa Derby. The first legs are scheduled for Sunday, 27 September, before the return fixtures on Sunday, 4 October.
Buganda Masaza Cup 2026 Semi-Final Fixtures
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
| Sunday, 27 September | Kyaggwe vs Bugerere | Bishops SS Stadium, Mukono |
| Sunday, 27 September | Gomba vs Butambala | Kabulasoke PTC Stadium |
| Sunday, 4 October | Bugerere vs Kyaggwe | Ssaza Grounds, Ntenjeru |
| Sunday, 4 October | Butambala vs Gomba | Kibibi SS Stadium |
The two-legged ties will decide which counties advance to the final. Supporters should confirm kick-off times and any fixture changes through the official Masaza Cup channels before travelling.
Gomba Eliminate Holders Buddu
Gomba entered the second leg with a commanding advantage after defeating Buddu 3-0 at Kabulasoke PTC Stadium. The defending champions responded with a 1-0 win at Kitovu Sports Arena, but it was not enough to overturn the deficit.
Gomba therefore progressed 3-1 on aggregate and remain the only former champions in the last four. Their five titles make them the competition’s record winners, and that history will increase expectations as they pursue a sixth crown.
However, Buddu’s second-leg victory also offered a warning. Gomba cannot rely only on reputation or their first-leg strength against a Butambala side that has already shown it can survive intense knockout pressure.
Butambala Make History Against Busujju
Butambala secured their first Masaza Cup semi-final appearance after a dramatic contest with Busujju. The tie finished level following a 1-1 second-leg draw, forcing a penalty shootout at Kibibi SS Stadium.
Butambala held their nerve to win the shootout 4-2 and create a landmark moment for the county. Their progress represents one of the tournament’s major stories, but the challenge now becomes more demanding against experienced Gomba.
The underdogs will need the defensive discipline, concentration and composure that carried them through the quarter-finals.
Kyaggwe Overpower Mawogola
Kyaggwe advanced with the most convincing overall score among the semi-finalists. They followed a 2-1 first-leg victory away to Mawogola with a 3-1 home win at Bishops SS Stadium, completing a 5-2 aggregate success.
Kyaggwe’s campaign has carried significant promise. They topped the demanding Masengere Group with 23 points before producing two wins in the quarter-finals. Their next obstacle is emotionally charged, however, because Bugerere are more than ordinary opponents.
Bugerere Survive Kyaddondo Penalty Test
Bugerere reached the semi-finals after one of the closest quarter-final ties. A goalless first leg against Kyaddondo left everything open before the teams drew 1-1 in the return fixture at Wampeewo.
With the aggregate score level, Bugerere prevailed 5-4 on penalties. The victory rewarded their resilience and sent them into the last four for a second consecutive season.
Their meeting with Kyaggwe is known as the Ssezibwa Derby, reflecting the geographical and cultural connection between the neighbouring counties of Kayunga and Mukono. Local pride will add another layer to a tie already carrying the pressure of qualification for the final.
Kyaggwe appear stronger on results, but Bugerere have demonstrated an ability to stay competitive in tight matches. That makes patience, discipline and control of emotion particularly important across both legs.
What the Semi-Final Line-Up Means
The departure of reigning champions Buweekula before the knockout phase and Buddu’s quarter-final elimination mean a new champion is possible. Gomba can extend their record to six titles, while Butambala, Kyaggwe and Bugerere can each lift the trophy for the first time.
The matchups also underline the Masaza Cup’s importance beyond results. It connects counties, develops young footballers and creates matchday occasions rooted in Buganda identity. From Kabulasoke and Kibibi to Mukono and Ntenjeru, the semi-finals should attract passionate local support.
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Conclusion
The Buganda Masaza Cup 2026 semi-finals offer two contrasting contests. Gomba’s record and knockout experience will be tested by history-making Butambala, while Kyaggwe and Bugerere contest a high-stakes, Ssezibwa Derby.
Gomba may begin as the established name, but the quarter-finals demonstrated that progress must be earned over every minute. Butambala have momentum, Kyaggwe have delivered the strongest aggregate performance, and Bugerere have proved capable of surviving pressure.
With three potential first-time winners and one five-time champion remaining, the road to the final is open. The first legs on 27 September will establish the early advantage, but the return matches on 4 October will determine which two counties keep their 2026 title hopes alive.
