Uganda Cup: Vipers, URA handed fair R16 draws; Police file petition

Defending champions Vipers SC and fellow Uganda Premier League side URA FC have been handed relatively favourable fixtures following the draw for the Round of 16 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup conducted on Thursday morning.

Round of 16 📋#StanbicUgandaCup | @stanbicug @PlasconUganda pic.twitter.com/n1BUfw8613

— Stanbic Uganda Cup (@FUFAUgandaCup) March 5, 2026

The draw ceremony was overseen by former Express FC captain Fred Mukasa, popularly known as “Gaso”, who famously led the Red Eagles to the 1985 Uganda Cup triumph. His presence added a touch of history as the remaining teams discovered their paths to the quarter-finals.

Holders Vipers SC, who defeated KCCA FC in last year’s final to lift the trophy, will continue their title defence against FUFA Big League outfit Iganga United FC. The Venoms will host the encounter at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende.

Meanwhile, URA FC were also handed a manageable tie and will host lower-division side Tapo United FC at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo as the Tax Collectors aim to book a place in the quarter-finals.

Among the headline fixtures, record champions SC Villa will take on Maroons FC at FUFA Kadiba Stadium in Mengo, while KCCA FC face a tricky test against Onduparaka FC at MTN Omondi Stadium Lugogo.

Elsewhere, Express FC will square off with Red Devo FC, and Kitara FC host Bunyaruguru United FC at Royal Park Butema in Hoima.

However, one of the Round of 16 slots remains uncertain following a petition by Police FC regarding their Round of 32 defeat to Lugazi FC. Lugazi had initially advanced after securing a 2–1 victory at Kira Road Arena.

Police claim Lugazi fielded an ineligible player in forward Umar Kyebatala, who scored in the match. According to the petition, Kyebatala had earlier featured for Football Classroom in the same edition of the competition before joining Lugazi, which could breach tournament eligibility rules.

The matter is currently before FUFA Judicial Bodies, whose ruling will determine whether Lugazi FC retain their spot or if Police FC are reinstated. The winner will face NEC FC in the Round of 16.

In the only all-lower-division clash, Happy Boys FC Kagaba will host Six O’Clock FC in Kassanda, guaranteeing an underdog a place in the quarter-finals.

The Round of 16 matches are scheduled to be played between 16th and 18th March 2026, with exact match dates to be confirmed by FUFA.