The chase for Uganda’s most unpredictable football title has begun, and with it comes a fresh wave of ambition from Kampala’s lower-tier sides. The Kampala Region on Monday launched its preliminary round for the 52nd Stanbic Uganda Cup, signaling another chapter in a competition famed for its giant-killing stories.
What stood out this year wasn’t just the draw ceremony at the FUFA Stadium in Kadiba it was the sheer growth of the contest. Participation in the Kampala Region has surged from 48 to 56 teams, a clear sign that the Cup’s allure continues to spread through academies, community clubs, and football classrooms across the city.
Among the returning hopefuls is last season’s sensation, Football Classroom, whose spirited run to the Round of 64 earned them a place in Pot Two. Their new campaign, however, starts on the road after being paired with Kayda Sports Club one of the hosts drawn from Pot One, which consisted mainly of non-league and sixth- and fifth-division teams awarded home advantage in the single-leg ties.
KRFA chairman Dirisa Kasalirwe, joined by delegate Kabugo Mansoor and FUFA Competitions Director Hajjat Aisha Nalule, presided over the event. Nalule used the moment to remind clubs that discipline and adherence to competition rules will be crucial in ensuring a smooth and successful campaign.
Organizers confirmed that the match schedule will be finalized before Monday’s close, with action kicking off on December 5th. As usual, drama is guaranteed every tie will be settled on the day, with penalties standing by to separate the ambitious from the eliminated.
For Kampala’s underdogs, this is more than a preliminary round. It is the beginning of another opportunity to script the kind of stories that have defined the Uganda Cup for over half a century.
Full Draws (Uganda Cup)
Favored FC v Police Young
Kibuli Down Town v Edgars FC
Soccer Without Borders v Born Talent
Kayda SC v Football Classroom
Elite Ex Players v Kisugu
Namuwongo FC v Old Kampala
Bweyogerere FC v Lungujja Galaxy
Nagguru Cubs v Jean Sseninde United
Kireka Young v Teranova FC
Kalerwe Tigers v Mbogo FC
Abakamanyi FC v Kyambogo FC
Irish FC v Sharing Youth
Ggaba FC v Nakivubo Shawuliyaako
Kisaasi FC v Nawanko FC
Puma United v Wembely Boys
Sparta O9 v Buganda Road
Mzee Wawanja v Water FC
Legends FC v Mutungo
Melody Star v Kibuli United
Zion FC v Well Spring
Kyakise FC v Lufula FC
Nansana United v Black Star
Nakivubo Boys v Lukuli
Kampala Galaxy v PCCP
Mengo YY FC v Nsambya SC
Wolves v Kireka United
Edgars Youth Programme v Ntinda United
Bilal FC v Proline FC
This is fantastic news! It’s brilliant to see these teams getting their chance to shine in the Uganda Cup – really exciting times for football in Kampala.