Gomba’s Bold Experiment in Trusting Women Leadership Becomes Masaza Cup Success Story

By Kayiira Jackson 

What many initially viewed as a weak link turned into one of Gomba Lions’ biggest strengths as the county navigated the 2026 Masaza Cup group stage.

Gomba made a bold decision to entrust women with key leadership responsibilities, a move that was met with skepticism by sections of the supporters. However, rather than becoming a stumbling block, the new leadership helped create a disciplined camp that guided the Lions to an impressive second-place finish in the Masengere Group.

Gomba collected 19 points from 10 matches, finishing four points behind group winners Kyaggwe Sazza, who amassed 23 points.

The Lions recorded five victories, four draws and just one defeat — a 1-0 loss to Mawokota in the first round. Their 19-point haul was the second-highest among all the counties in the group stages, behind only Kyaggwe and Buddu, who topped Bulange Group with 19 points.

At the heart of Gomba’s technical management was Resty Mbatidde, whose influence was particularly noticeable on the touchline.

Felix Ssekabuuza Kawooya is regarded as one of the trickiest Masaza Cup coaches to manage, particularly because of his demanding presence on the touchline. Yet throughout most of the group campaign, Mbatidde was often seen bringing order to the technical area and ensuring that the Lions’ camp remained composed.

There were a few tense moments, notably during the first-leg encounter between Mawokota and Gomba, but generally, the technical bench remained calm and disciplined.

The same discipline extended beyond the pitch. Gomba’s camp reportedly had only one notable disciplinary incident during the group stage, which was quickly resolved, allowing normality to return without attracting much attention.

Interestingly, some Gomba supporters admit they were initially uncomfortable with the idea of women taking charge of the county’s leadership.

“As fans, we also never bought the idea of bringing women as leaders. It was like a failed campaign before the kick-off of the season,” one supporter said.

“Of course, in public we were supporting, but behind the cameras we were asking why. When we drew against Busiro at home, we thought we would not get out of the group. But the win against Ssese showed us how strong these women are,” he added.

The appointment of women into top leadership positions has consequently become one of the defining features of Gomba’s campaign, with the county becoming the first to have women occupying its top leadership positions in the Masaza Cup.

Beyond administration, Gomba also benefited from smart recruitment, assembling a competitive squad without spending heavily. The Lions’ ability to identify and acquire players at relatively low cost proved crucial in their run through the group stage.

With the group phase now behind them, Gomba face a much tougher test in the knockout rounds.

The Lions will host Bulange Group winners Buddu in the quarterfinal on September 13, 2026, with a place in the semifinals at stake.

For a team whose leadership was initially questioned, Gomba Lions have already answered their critics on the pitch. What started as an experiment has quietly evolved into one of the most successful and disciplined campaigns of the 2026 Masaza Cup.