Kitara FC Crowned 2025/26 Stanbic Uganda Cup Champions After Defeating SC Villa

Kitara Football Club were crowned champions of the 2025/26 Stanbic Uganda Cup after edging Sports Club Villa 2-1 in a thrilling final played on Saturday, 30th May 2026 at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

The victory earned Kitara their second Uganda Cup title in history, adding to the first crown they won during the 2023/24 season when they defeated NEC FC at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

Played before a huge and passionate crowd under sunny conditions, the 52nd edition of Uganda’s prestigious knockout competition produced an entertaining contest between two determined sides seeking silverware and continental football.

Kitara showed resilience and composure throughout the match to overcome record league champions SC Villa and secure qualification to represent Uganda in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup.

Dramatic Opening Half 

The game started at a high tempo with both teams eager to impose themselves early. SC Villa looked sharp in possession while Kitara relied on quick transitions and attacking movements orchestrated by their influential midfielder Gadafi Wahab.

The deadlock was broken in unfortunate circumstances for SC Villa when defender Missi Diego Ssemugera accidentally turned the ball into his own net, handing Kitara the lead amid wild celebrations from the Royals’ supporters.

However, Villa responded before the break through another unfortunate own goal. Kitara striker Patrick Henry Kaddu inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net while attempting to defend, restoring parity for the Jogoos.

The two own goals meant the teams headed into halftime tied at 1-1 after a fiercely contested opening 45 minutes.

Jimmy Kalema Delivers the Winner

The second half resumed with renewed energy from both sides as the contest became increasingly physical and tactical.

Kitara eventually found the decisive breakthrough through Jimmy Kalema, whose well-taken second-half strike gave the Hoima-based club a crucial 2-1 advantage. 

From that moment, Kitara displayed defensive discipline and maturity to protect their lead despite sustained pressure from SC Villa in the closing stages.

Goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige produced a composed performance between the posts, while captain Jasper Aheebwa Baguma marshalled the backline effectively alongside experienced defender Murushid Juuko.

When the final whistle sounded, jubilant Kitara players, officials, and fans erupted into celebration after another historic achievement for the rapidly rising club.

Gadafi Wahab Shines Bright 

Kitara midfielder Gadafi Wahab emerged as the standout performer of the final following a commanding display in midfield.

His creativity, composure, and work rate earned him both the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and the Best Midfielder accolade.

Kitara also dominated several individual awards after their successful campaign.

Individual Accolades

MVP: Gadafi Wahab (Kitara FC)

Best Midfielder: Gadafi Wahab (Kitara FC)

Best Goalkeeper: Meddie Kibirige (Kitara FC)

Top Scorer: George Senkaaba (Kitara FC)

Best Defender: David Owori (SC Villa)

Kitara’s Growing Rise in Ugandan Football

The latest triumph further confirms Kitara FC’s growing status among Uganda’s top football clubs.

Having lifted their first Uganda Cup title two seasons ago, the Royals have continued to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for major honours.

Their disciplined performances throughout the tournament highlighted the club’s tactical growth, squad depth, and ambition to compete consistently at the highest level both domestically and on the continent.

Qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup now offers Kitara another opportunity to showcase Ugandan football on the continental stage. For SC Villa, the defeat marked a painful end to their cup campaign despite a spirited performance. The record Ugandan champions fought bravely throughout the final but were ultimately undone by fine margins and defensive lapses.

Team Line-Ups

Kitara FC Starting XI

Meddie Kibirige (G.K), Musisi, Jasper Aheebwa Baguma (Captain), Isa Lumu, Murushid Juuko, Yunus Sibira, Frank Tumwesigye, Gadafi Wahab, Patrick Henry Kaddu, George Senkaaba, Jimmy Kalema.

Kitara FC Substitutes

Aziz, Samuel Kato Nemeyimana, Benjamin Nyakojo, John Byamukama, Amir Kakomo, Alex Emmanuel Wasswa, Isaac Doka Mweru, Chrispus Asiki, Muhammed Ssenoga, Byaruhanga, Ssebandeke, Muhammed Shaban.

SC Villa Starting XI

David Lukwago (G.K), David Owori (Captain), Simon Kato Ssemayange, Geofrey Lubangkene, Ramon Barasa Mangoli, Aslam Ssemakula, Missi Diego Ssemugera, Hassan Mubiru, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Frank Sebuufu, Najib Yiga. SC

Villa Substitutes

Braddy Wokorach (G.K), Elvis Ngonde, Frank Mulimi, Arnold Odong, Reagan Mpande, Bayo Ali Arshavin, Ibrahim Kasinde, Isaac Mpagi, Geofrey Gaganga, Andrew Otim, Andrew Okumu, Charles Lwanga.

With another Uganda Cup trophy secured, Kitara FC’s remarkable rise continues as the Royals now shift focus toward preparations for continental football and the upcoming domestic season.