The Stanbic Uganda Cup’s Round of 64 stage delivered unexpected drama on Thursday as Bushenyi Veterans and Blacks Power advanced to the Round of 32 without playing their scheduled matches.
For Bushenyi Veterans, their advancement came after Big League side Onduparaka FC failed to show up at Bushenyi Main Stadium.
Onduparaka had written to the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) requesting a postponement to focus on preparations for the memorial service and game in honour of their former player, Rashid Agau, scheduled for Saturday.
However, FUFA declined the request, stating that the fixture had to proceed as planned.
This marks the second consecutive season Onduparaka has failed to honour a Round of 64 fixture.
Last season, they forfeited their tie against Kyambura Rasters due to transportation challenges.
With no opponents on the pitch, Bushenyi Veterans were awarded a walkover victory, securing their place in the next stage.
Blacks Power experienced a different kind of drama when hosts Soroti Thunder showed up at the wrong venue.
While FUFA had confirmed Soroti Stadium as the official match location, Soroti Thunder and their supporters traveled to Kidetok Primary School playground in Serere, about 30 kilometers away.
Meanwhile, Blacks Power and the match officials were present at Soroti Stadium, as per FUFA’s official communication.
The confusion arose from an earlier request by Soroti Thunder to change the venue due to the unavailability of Soroti Stadium.
However, FUFA Competitions Director Hajjat Aisha Nalule clarified that the stadium was later confirmed as available, and the match posters and official communications maintained Soroti Stadium as the designated venue.
With no match played, the referee awarded Blacks Power a walkover victory, allowing them to progress to the Round of 32.
The Uganda Cup resumes today, January 17, with New Life Katereke FC hosting UPDF at Nakivubo Blue Primary School, while Maroons visit Water FC at Nakawa UICT Ground.
Other teams that have already booked their slots in the Round of 32 include Lugazi FC, Wakiso Giants, Vipers SC, NEC, Bright Stars, URA, Pakwach Young Stars, and defending champions Kitara.
