After the conclusion of the first round of group matches, Kyaggwe leads the group with 10 points, ahead of Ssese on eight points. Gomba, the most successful team in the tournament’s history, is third with eight points, while Mawokota follows with seven points.
Bulemeezi and Busiro complete the group standings, tied on four points each.
The Masengere Group features some of the biggest names in the competition, including Gomba, three-time champions Mawokota, Bulemeezi and one-time winners Busiro. It also includes Kyaggwe and Ssese, who are still searching for their first Masaza Cup titles.
Despite lacking championship success, Kyaggwe and Ssese have been the surprise performers of the opening round, collecting more points than several teams with established records in the tournament.
The first round concluded on Sunday with a highly anticipated encounter between Gomba and Kyaggwe at Kabulasoke Playground, attracting a large crowd, local leaders and Buganda Kingdom officials.
The match, attended by Buganda Kingdom Minister for Youth and Talent Robert Serwanga as chief guest, ended in a 1-1 draw after both teams produced an entertaining contest.
Serwanga praised teams in the Masengere Group for raising the level of competition and encouraged all sides to remain focused ahead of the second round.
“Every team is playing quality football and the level of competition has been impressive. I thank all the players for their commitment and determination. Even the teams at the bottom have shown promise, and the first five matches have exposed areas they need to improve,” Serwanga said.
He said every team still has a chance of reaching the knockout stage if they address their weaknesses.
Serwanga, however, challenged teams to improve their finishing, saying the opening round produced fewer goals than expected.
“Fans enjoy seeing goals, but there have not been enough. I encourage the players to be more clinical in the second round. We want to see more goals and even hat-tricks because that will make the competition more exciting,” he said.
Fred Williams Kitunzi Mugabi, the Buganda Kingdom chief for Gomba County, and his Kyaggwe counterpart praised supporters from both sides for maintaining discipline during the match despite the rivalry.
Following the completion of the first round, all participating teams have entered a transfer window where each side is allowed to recruit up to three new players ahead of the decisive second round.