Vipers SC headline action as Uganda Cup takes centre stage

The Stanbic Uganda Cup is about to hit top speed.

After months of preliminary skirmishes across the country, the 52nd edition of Uganda’s premier knockout competition bursts into life this Thursday as seven Uganda Premier League clubs finally join the contest at the Round of 64 stage.

Defending champions Vipers SC headline the Thursday action, beginning their title defence on the road against Northern Regional League outfit Northern Gateway FC in Lira.

The Venoms lifted their fourth Uganda Cup crown last season after a composed 2-0 victory over KCCA FC at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, and will be keen to avoid an early upset in unfamiliar territory.

Uganda Cup offers no second chances

Last season’s beaten finalists KCCA FC also face a tricky away assignment, travelling to Masindi to take on St. George Masindi from the Kitara Regional League, a fixture that carries all the hallmarks of a classic cup test.

Joint record holders Express FC, level with KCCA on ten Uganda Cup titles, set off to Pakwach to face Pakwach Youngsters, while Buhimba United Saints will be guests of Tapoh FC in Ngora. In Busia, Mbarara City must navigate a potentially hostile atmosphere when they visit Busia Young FC.

Former winners BUL FC, champions in 2022, make the long journey north-east to Kotido for a clash with Agape United Kotido, as UPDF FC fresh from recent changes on the technical bench remain in Kampala for a short trip to Makindye to face Nsambya SC.

As tradition dictates, the Uganda Cup offers no second chances. All Round of 64 fixtures are single-leg affairs, with ties decided on the day.

Should teams remain level after 90 minutes, penalties will be used to separate them, no extra time, no replays.

With giant-killings always lurking and top-flight sides wary of lower-league ambition, the stage is set for another gripping chapter in Uganda’s most unpredictable football competition.

Stanbic Uganda Cup – Round of 64 Fixtures

Thursday, February 5, 2026 | Kick-off: 3:00 PM
• Agape United Kotido vs BUL FC – Kotido
• Nsambya SC vs UPDF FC – Makindye
• Pakwach Youngsters vs Express FC – Pakwach
• Tapoh FC vs Buhimba United Saints – Ngora
• St. George Masindi vs KCCA FC – Masindi
• Northern Gateway FC vs Vipers SC – Lira
• Busia Young FC vs Mbarara City – Busia

Friday, February 6, 2026 | Kick-off: 3:00 PM
• Paidha United vs Maroons FC – Zombo
• Patongo United vs URA FC – Agago
• Mairye United vs Police FC – Luwero
• Mabira Town Council vs NEC – Kasese
• Pallisa Hospital FC vs SC Villa – Pallisa
• Kisugu United vs Lugazi FC – Makindye
• Obule Earthquake vs Kitara FC – Soroti
• Ombachi Pride vs Entebbe UPPC – Koboko

Monday, February 9, 2026 | Kick-off: 3:00 PM
• Football Classroom vs Calvary FC – Kampala