The 2024/25 Stanbic Uganda Cup semifinals are set, and excitement is already building following the draw held on Monday morning at Serena Hotel, Kampala.
Three coaches, Kitara’s Wasswa Bbosa, KCCA’s interim boss Jackson Magera, and Kataka’s head coach Godfrey Awachango, attended the ceremony, each expressing bullish confidence about their semifinal chances.
Curiously, Vipers SC’s coaching duo John “Ayala” Luyinda and Fred Muhumuza were absent, but their presence will be felt where it matters most, on the pitch.
The Draws: Big Names, Big Dreams
Defending champions Kitara FC have been pitted against heavyweights Vipers SC.
The Royals will first travel to St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende before hosting the Venoms at the Royals Park in Butema, Hoima.
“Vipers and Kitara are both strong sides,” Bbosa admitted.
“But we know them well, and we shall plan accordingly.”
“To the Kitara fans, I promise: we are going to play the final,” he declared with conviction.
Meanwhile, record 10-time winners KCCA FC have drawn Big League side Kataka FC, the fairytale story of this season’s competition.
The Kasasiro Boys will host the first leg at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo before heading east to the Mbale Municipal Stadium for the decisive second leg.
KCCA’s interim manager Magera was respectful but cautious.
“The draw is fair, but we must prepare properly,” Magera warned.
“We cannot afford to underestimate Kataka. They eliminated URA and Police FC, both Premier League sides.”
“We must work extremely hard if we are to reach the final,” he added.
As for Kataka, head coach Awachango showed no fear.
“We’re not surprised. We knew anything was possible,” he said.
“Playing away first is good. It gives us a great chance to complete the job back home in Mbale. We are more than ready for the challenge.”
Important Dates and New Venue Test
The first legs of the semifinals will be played between May 3-4, with the return legs set for May 17-18.
This year’s Uganda Cup final will take place at the newly refurbished Kadiba Stadium in Mengo, a project funded by FIFA under the Forward Programme with a reported investment of over $2.3 million (UGX 8.4 billion).
Originally expected to be ready by 2023, Kadiba’s delayed completion was attributed to FIFA’s phased disbursement strategy and logistical challenges.
However, the facility has made significant progress and will now get its first real test as it hosts the Uganda Cup final.
Kadiba is also earmarked as a key training venue for two major continental tournaments:
- The CHAN 2024, rescheduled to August 2025,
- And the prestigious AFCON 2027, to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
With the Uganda Cup final on the horizon, Kadiba Stadium’s readiness will be scrutinized not just by fans but by top CAF officials, making the event a dress rehearsal for even bigger stages ahead.
