Uganda Premier League sides URA and UPDF suffered shocking exits from the 2024/25 Stanbic Uganda Cup as FUFA Big League sides Kataka and Kaaro Karungi pulled off stunning upsets to book quarterfinal spots.
At the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, Kataka defied the odds by eliminating three-time Uganda Cup champions URA in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The tax collectors took the lead in the 80th minute through Abraham Tusubira’s spot-kick, but their advantage was short-lived as Abdulrahman Maloba converted a penalty of his own three minutes later to force the match into penalties.
In the tense shootout, Kataka were flawless from the spot, converting all five penalties through Richard Lempani, Mohammed Biafulo, Emmanuel Kulanga, Stephen Namaisi, and Saul Bugoma.
Meanwhile, URA’s Joshua Lubwama Letti missed the decisive penalty, sealing a 5-3 victory for the Mbale-based side.
This result marks a huge setback for URA, who were playing at home and are now staring at another trophyless season, given their struggles in the Uganda Premier League.
On the other hand, Kataka’s fairytale run continues, as they join KCCA, BUL, Kitara, SC Villa, Police FC, Kaaro Karungi and Vipers in the quarterfinals.
In another shock result, Kaaro Karungi dominated UPDF with a resounding 3-0 victory at Kyamate Stadium in Ntungamo.
Seremba Musa opened the scoring with a long-range effort in the 24th minute before Gideon Onyango doubled the lead in the 58th minute.
Clinton Kamugisha then capitalised on a goalkeeping error to seal the win in the 79th minute.
Despite their Uganda Cup heroics, Kaaro Karungi still face a relegation battle in the FUFA Big League, sitting just four points above the drop zone.
However, their current form of three consecutive wins with clean sheets suggests they have the momentum to fight on both fronts, and who knows; they could represent the country at the CAF Confederation Cup!
