The wait is almost over. In just a week, Uganda’s biggest sporting spectacle—the Buganda Masaza Cup—returns with a roar. And now, we finally know all the groups.

Can Kyaggwe make a deep run this year? Will pre-tournament favorites Bulemeezi claim their fourth-ever title? And just how far will star boys Shaban Kayongo and Robert Ssewanyana go in what is likely their final dance on Buganda’s grandest football stage?

Grab your scarves, rally your villages, and check out who your team faces in the opening rounds:

BULANGE GROUP

Teams: Buweekula, Buddu, Kyaddondo, Buluuli, Busujju, Buvuma

Reigning champions Buweekula kick off their title defense on June 13 in Mubende—and the pressure is immense. Known as the Nakayima Boys, they enjoy a fortress-like home advantage at NTC Stadium, where their passionate fans have helped them lose just once in their last 20 matches.

Buweekula’s biggest threat? Likely Buddu, led by skipper Joseph Kayondo. Their clash in Mubende on July 5 promises to be one of the group-stage classics, before they renew hostilities in the second round on August 23 in Masaka.

That leaves Kyaddondo, Busujju, Buvuma, and Buluuli fighting for third place—and a possible best-loser spot in the knockout rounds.

MUGANZIRWAZA GROUP

Teams: Ssingo, Bugerere, Butambala, Kabula, Mawogola, Kooki

Last season’s second runners-up, Bugerere, step into the 2026 Muganzirwazza Group, replacing Kyaggwe. The rest of the lineup remains unchanged from last year.

Ssingo and Bugerere—first and second runners-up respectively in 2025—are favorites to advance. But don't sleep on Kooki. They finished third in this very same group last season, ahead of Mawogola, Kabula, and Butambala. Expect fireworks.

MASENGERE GROUP

Teams: Kyaggwe, Bulemeezi, Mawokota, Gomba, Busiro, Ssese

One of the longest-running soap operas in Gomba has finally ended. Felix Sekabuuza having named head coach of their 25-man squad, bringing the experience of a former winning coach back to the sidelines.

With creative genius Robert Ssewanyana, exciting new signing Gava Peter, and rock-solid goalkeeper Lawrence Kimera, Gomba—last champions in 2021—could use Sekabuuza’s savvy to go all the way.

Then there’s Bulemeezi. Three-time winners, but stumbling in recent seasons. They’ve reloaded: title-winning captain Ogbezo Pariyo, playmaker Mugusha Steven (from Buluuli), and shot-stopper Reagan Pickford Mukisa have all joined. But here’s the twist—since lifting the trophy in 2023, Bulemeezi have failed to escape the group stage two years running. Can they break the curse?

Who are you rooting for and where does your Ssaza stand this season?