As the 52nd edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup enters its Round of 32, football fans across Uganda are turning their eyes to the country’s regional clubs, many of which are eager to prove they can upset the traditional powerhouses from Kampala.
The draw, conducted live on FUFA TV on February 18, confirmed fixtures for matches to be played from February 21 to 28, bringing together teams from the Uganda Premier League, FUFA Big League, and lower divisions.
Regional representation is stronger than ever. Western Uganda leads with five teams, including Mbarara City FC, Kigezi HomeBoyz FC, Kaaro Karungi FC, Mutolere SC, and Six O’clock FC, all seeking to make a statement.
Eastern Uganda contributes four sides: BUL FC, Kataka FC, Amus College FC, and Iganga United, while Northern Uganda has three entrants—Blacks Power FC, Pajule Lions FC, and Red Devo FC—ready to test the mettle of higher-ranked opponents.
Kitara region sends Kitara FC and Bunyaruguru FC, and North Eastern Uganda fields Tapoh FC and Kumi United.
West Nile is represented by Onduparaka FC from Arua. In total, 23 clubs from outside Kampala will try to challenge the nine teams from the capital, including heavyweights KCCA FC, SC Villa, Police FC, and Express FC.
The Round of 32 promises dramatic encounters, with regional sides eager to prove that the Stanbic Uganda Cup is truly a national competition and that football talent thrives far beyond the capital.
Among the highlight fixtures, URA FC will face Blacks Power FC, offering a northern club a tough test against Premier League opposition. Express FC, one of Uganda’s established names, takes on Big League side Ntugasaze FC from Mityana, a matchup that could prove to be a regional upset if the underdogs rise to the occasion. Tapoh FC will lock horns with Western Uganda’s Mutolere SC, while Bunyaruguru FC meet Amus College FC in another all regional showdown.
The capital’s traditional powers are also in action: nine time winners SC Villa have been drawn against BUL FC, and KCCA FC take on Mbarara City FC in a clash that pits Kampala legitimacy against Western ambition. Defending champions Vipers SC begin their cup defence at home against Pajule Lions FC, one of the standout regional sides from the north.
Other notable matchups include Onduparaka FC hosting Football Classroom, Police FC versus Lugazi FC, Maroons FC against Kumi United, and Six O’clock FC facing Kataka FC. UPDF FC will tackle NEC FC, in what could be one of the more competitive ties of the round, while Kigezi HomeBoyz FC take on Happy Boys FC and Iganga United face Melody Star FC
