The stage is set for the Round of 16 of Uganda’s oldest club competition, the Stanbic Uganda Cup, with top-tier clubs and surprise packages securing their spots after a fiercely contested Round of 32.
The final game of the previous round saw Maroons edge Wakiso Giants 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw at Luzira Prisons Grounds on Wednesday, February 26.
The victory secured Maroons’ place in the last 16, joining a lineup featuring past champions, FUFA Big League sides, and regional league teams.
Defending Champions, Giants Progress
Holders Kitara remain on course to defend their title after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kampala Regional League side CATDA on February 20.
Meanwhile, record ten-time winners KCCA eased past Kuluva Rainbow 2-0 in Arua on February 25, while Vipers, a three-time winner of the competition, booked their place with a 2-0 triumph over Mbarara City at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
SC Villa, Uganda’s most decorated club with nine Uganda Cup titles and 17 league titles, eliminated Simba with a narrow 1-0 win on February 19.
URA also progressed, edging Mabira Town Council 1-0, while BUL, the 2022 winners, moved on with a convincing performance. Other Uganda Premier League sides to advance include Police, Lugazi, and UPDF.
Shock Exit for NEC
The round of 32 did not pass without its fair share of upsets.
Last season’s finalists NEC suffered an early elimination at the hands of FUFA Big League side Blacks Power, who stunned them with a 2-0 result at their MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on February 25.
Diverse Round of 16 Lineup
A mix of top-flight, second-tier, and regional clubs will contest the Round of 16.
FUFA Big League teams Blacks Power, Gaddafi, Kaaro Karungi, and Kataka made the cut, while regional league sides Rwenzori Lions and Total FC defied the odds to secure their places.
The FUFA Competitions Department is set to conduct the draw for the next stage, with fixtures to be confirmed in due course.
The winner of the Stanbic Uganda Cup earns the right to represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup, adding an extra incentive for teams to push for glory.
Qualified Teams for the Round of 16:
Uganda Premier League Clubs: SC Villa, Vipers, KCCA, URA, BUL, Police, Lugazi, UPDF, Kitara, Maroons
FUFA Big League Clubs: Blacks Power, Gaddafi, Kataka, Kaaro Karungi
Regional League Clubs: Rwenzori Lions, Total
