The battle for the 51st Stanbic Uganda Cup has reached a thrilling milestone as 16 clubs have secured their places in the next stage of the prestigious tournament. The round of 32 came to a dramatic close on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, with Maroons edging Wakiso Giants in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in normal time. The match at the Luzira Prisons Stadium was a nerve-wracking encounter, with Maroons eventually triumphing 4-2 in the penalty shootout to seal their spot in the next round.
The competition has witnessed several upsets, with NEC, last season’s runners-up, crashing out at the hands of second-division side Blacks Power. The 2-0 defeat at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo sent shockwaves through the competition, leaving NEC fans disappointed.
Meanwhile, defending champions Kitara progressed to the round of 16 after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over CATDA, a regional side from Kampala. Former champions, including Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Vipers SC, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and Sports Club Villa, also confirmed their spots in the next round, continuing their quest for glory.
KCCA, who are record holders with 10 Uganda Cup titles, defeated West Nile regional side Kuluva Rain Bow 2-0 in Arua. Vipers ejected Mbarara City with a 2-0 win at St. Mary’s Kitende, while URA edged past Mabira Town Council 1-0. SC Villa triumphed 1-0 over Simba, keeping their hopes of a 10th Uganda Cup title alive.
Other top-tier clubs progressing to the round of 16 include Police FC, Lugazi FC, UPDF FC, and BUL FC, alongside FUFA Big League teams Gaddafi, Blacks Power, Kaaro Karungi, and Kataka FC. The regional clubs Total FC and Rwenzori Lions also made the cut, showcasing the competitive nature of the tournament.
The round of 16 teams now await the draw from the FUFA Competitions Department, which will determine the matchups for the next phase. The winner of the Stanbic Uganda Cup earns a prestigious spot to represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup, adding extra stakes to this exciting tournament.
Here are the 16 clubs that have qualified for the round of 16:
- SC Villa (9x winners)
- Total FC
- Vipers SC (3x winners)
- URA FC (3x winners)
- Rwenzori Lions
- BUL FC (1x winner)
- Blacks Power
- Gaddafi FC
- Kataka FC
- KCCA FC (Record 10x winners)
- Police FC
- Kaaro Karungi
- Lugazi FC
- UPDF FC
- Kitara FC (1x reigning champions)
- Maroons FC
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect even more intense matches as clubs battle for the coveted Uganda Cup title and a chance to represent the country on the continental stage.