In front of a sizeable and passionate home crowd, five-time Masaza Cup champions Gomba officially unveiled a 31-man squad ahead of the 2026 season kickoff, signaling renewed ambition for a return to title contention.
The squad reflects a calculated blend of youthful promise and seasoned experience.
New entrants have been integrated alongside established figures such as Dirisa Masembe, Robert Ssewanyana, Simon Peter Okwi, and Herbert Onen, all of whom featured in last year’s campaign.
The unveiling ceremony was presided over by county chief Fred William Mugabi and held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Kabulasoke PTC Grounds.
The team will be under the stewardship of head coach Ssalongo Felix Ssekabuuza Kawooya, the reigning champion tactician, who will be assisted by Davis Nnono and Lawrence Nduga, among others.
Shortly after the unveiling, the newly assembled squad was put to test in a friendly encounter against reigning champions Buwekula, settling for a 1-1 draw.
Faizal Bumba handed the visitors a first-half advantage, scoring to give Buwekula a 1-0 lead at the break.
However, new signing Owen Mawejje announced his arrival in style, netting an 84th-minute equaliser to salvage a draw for the hosts.
Gomba were drawn into the highly competitive Masengere Group, where they will face stiff opposition from Mawokota, Kyaggwe, Busiro, Ssese, and Bulemeezi.
The group promises a stern test for the record contenders as they seek redemption following a disappointing campaign last season, where the Gomba Lions failed to progress beyond the group stage.
Historically, Gomba remain one of the most successful sides in the competition, with five titles secured in 2004 (inaugural edition), 2009, 2014, 2017, and 2020.
The 2026 Masaza Cup will officially kick off on June 13 at the NTC Grounds in Mubende, with hosts and reigning champions Buwekula taking on 2008 winners Kyadondo in the opening fixture. Gomba will begin their campaign with an away fixture against Busiro on June 21.
GOMBA LIONS | 2026 FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
Ssenyonga Bashir, Kimera Lawrence, Ssekatatwa Benson
Defenders:
Aniku Fahad, Tumusiime Henry, Ssemanda Colline, Siranyi Shafic, Onenarch Herbert, Ntagungira Hamuza, Gava Peter, Ogwal Brian
Midfielders:
Sserunjogi Patrick, Nkuuse Osamah, Masembe Dirisa, Kiiza Joseph, Kyomuhendo Peter, Kiyingi Murushid, Kibirige Isham, Mawejje Owen, Ssebunya Alfred, Abiti Moses
Forwards:
Ssewanyana Robert, Kalyesubula Joram, Ssemugabi Jackson, Kasule Muhammad Meddie, Waiswa Hassan, Lukoye Hassan, Okwi Simon, Chandia Benon, Kitiibwa Alvin, Othieno Raymon
