52nd Stanbic Uganda Cup Round of 32 Draw Sets Up Heavyweight Clashes
The draw has produced several headline fixtures that promise drama, rivalry, and the magic traditionally associated with Uganda’s premier knockout competition.
Ugandan football heavyweights SC Villa, KCCA FC, and defending champions Vipers SC have discovered their Round of 32 opponents in the 52nd edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup following a draw conducted at Federation of Uganda Football Associations House in Mengo on Wednesday.
The draw has produced several headline fixtures that promise drama, rivalry, and the magic traditionally associated with Uganda’s premier knockout competition.
Nine-time champions SC Villa will host BUL FC in what stands out as one of the marquee ties of the round. The Jogoos, historically one of the most successful sides in the competition, will be aiming to stamp their authority early against a BUL side capable of upsetting established names.
10-time winners KCCA FC will enjoy home advantage when they face Mbarara City FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium. The Lugogo-based side will look to leverage familiar surroundings as they pursue another deep cup run, while Mbarara City will seek to frustrate the hosts and script a memorable result.
Defending champions Vipers SC have been paired with third-division side Pajule Lions in a home fixture at the St Mary’s Stadium. While the Venoms enter as overwhelming favorites, the Uganda Cup’s knockout nature has historically provided room for giant-killing performances.
Elsewhere, several Uganda Premier League matchups promise tightly contested battles. Police FC face Lugazi FC, UPDF FC take on NEC FC, while URA FC meet Blacks Power FC. Additional compelling fixtures see Kitara FC clash with Entebbe UPPC FC, and Ntugasaze FC host Express FC.
This year’s Round of 32 reflects the competition’s strong national footprint. Kampala leads participation with nine teams, underlining the capital’s enduring football influence. The Buganda region fields six sides, while Western Uganda contributes five representatives, including ambitious challengers eager to test themselves on a national stage.
Eastern Uganda enters four teams, Northern Uganda three, and West Nile is represented by Onduparaka FC. North Eastern Uganda and the Kitara region also maintain a visible presence, reinforcing the tournament’s role as a unifying national platform that showcases talent from across the country.
Full Round of 32 Fixtures
URA FC vs Blacks Power FC
Ntugasaze FC vs Express FC
Tapoh FC vs Mutolere SC
Bunyaruguru FC vs Amus College FC
SC Villa vs BUL FC
Red Devo FC vs Kaaro Karungi FC
Vipers SC vs Pajule Lions
Onduparaka FC vs Football Classroom
Kitara FC vs Entebbe UPPC FC
KCCA FC vs Mbarara City FC
Police FC vs Lugazi FC
Maroons FC vs Kumi United
Six O’clock vs Kataka FC
UPDF FC vs NEC FC
Kigezi HomeBoyz FC vs Happy Boys FC
Iganga United vs Melody Star
The Round of 32 matches are scheduled to be played between February 21 and 28, 2026, setting the stage for a week of intense knockout football. With pride, silverware, and continental ambitions often tied to a strong cup campaign, teams will be eager to seize their moment in Uganda’s oldest and most prestigious domestic knockout competition.
