Stanbic Uganda Cup Today, 3pm
Onduparaka v Classroom
URA v Blacks Power
Iganga v Melody
Ntungasaze v Express
Bunyaruguru v Amus
Red Devo v Kaaro
Kigezi v Happy Boys
At 8pm
SC Villa v BUL
Tomorrow
Maroons v Kumi
UPDF v NEC
A familiar rivalry takes centre stage this afternoon when SC Villa welcome BUL FC in a high-pressure Stanbic Uganda Cup Round of 32 showdown at FUFA Stadium Kadiba.
For Villa, this is more than just another knockout tie. It is an opportunity to reset the narrative against a side that has repeatedly unsettled them in recent seasons.
BUL’s recent upper hand has been evident. The two sides last crossed paths in the Uganda Premier League at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru, where the Eastern Giants secured a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Alex Kitata and Nicholas Mwere. Reagan Mpande’s reply proved insufficient for Villa.
But league points pale in comparison to cup heartbreak. Three years ago, BUL knocked Villa out of this very competition at the same stage. A controversial offside decision denying Charles Bbaale an equaliser sparked protests, prompting intervention from Federation of Uganda Football Associations’s disciplinary authorities. A replay was ordered after consultation with the referees’ body, yet BUL held their nerve again, with Ibrahim Nsimbe netting the winner to complete the job.
Those episodes still linger in Mengo.
Villa approach the tie buoyed by a timely 2-0 league win over Maroons, with Frank Ssebuufu and Andrew Otim finding the net. The result restored confidence and sharpened belief that the Jogoos can shift the balance in this rivalry.
BUL, meanwhile, arrive seeking a reaction after falling 2-1 to KCCA at Lugogo. Head coach Alex Isabirye will expect a sharper display, with experienced attackers Karim Ndugwa and Sieri Arigumaho likely to shoulder the offensive responsibility.
Elsewhere, tournament surprise package Football Classroom — the only non-league side still standing — travel to Arua to face former top-flight outfit Onduparaka. URA FC host Blacks Power at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo, while Express FC visit Ntungasaze at the Kira Road Police Arena in Kamwokya.
Back in Mengo, however, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Villa and BUL — a rivalry shaped by controversy, fine margins and unfinished business.
