Uganda Cup: Happy Boys book quarterfinal spot; KCCA, NEC prepare for R16 battles

Round of 16 action from the 52nd edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup rolls on Tuesday with a thrilling double-header at Lugogo, while one team has already punched its ticket to the quarterfinals.

On Monday, Happy Boys became the first side to secure a last-eight place. They edged past Six O’clock FC 5–4 on penalties after a tense goalless stalemate in regulation time, keeping their cup dream alive.

Attention now shifts to Tuesday evening at MTN Omondi Stadium, where two Round of 16 fixtures will take center stage.

NEC, Lugazi clash in early kick-off

The day’s action begins with NEC FC taking on Lugazi FC. Both sides will be eager to make their mark in the prestigious knockout competition, knowing that victory guarantees a coveted spot in the quarterfinals.

Lugazi arrive with low confidence after their poor recent domestic league outings, while NEC will be banking on home support at Lugogo to push them past the hurdle in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter.

KCCA face tricky Onduparaka test

Later in the evening, KCCA FC welcome Onduparaka FC in a showdown scheduled for 7 p.m.

They remain one of the tournament favourites, having lifted the trophy a record ten times and finished runners-up in last season’s edition.

Cityzens kindly forward this 💛💛#KCCAFC #KCCAOND #StanbicUgandaCup pic.twitter.com/1WaXuD6xU5

— KCCA FC (@KCCAFC) March 15, 2026

The Kasasiro Boys head into the tie in good spirits following a commanding 3–0 victory over Lugazi in the Uganda Premier League.

Onduparaka, currently competing in the FUFA Big League, also come into the clash with momentum after a narrow 1–0 win against Kaaro Karungi over the weekend.

Their paths to the Round of 16 were equally dramatic. KCCA edged Mbarara City FC thanks to a solitary strike from Filbert Obenchan, while Onduparaka survived a scare against non league football side Football Classroom, eventually progressing through a penalty shootout.

Historically, the Kampala giants have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture.

Across their last 13 meetings in all competitions, KCCA have registered nine victories compared to Onduparaka’s single win, with three matches ending in draws.

During that run, they have found the net 37 times while Onduparaka have managed eight goals.

Despite that record, co-coach Jackson Magera insists his side must approach the tie with full concentration.

“We have prepared the team, and KCCA is a big club that should aim to win every match. The players must implement the game plan so that we progress to the next round,” Magera said.
“Every second and minute of the game is crucial because knockout matches are always tricky.”

KCCA will, however, be without several players including Charles Lukwago, James Mubezi, Alpha Ssali, Bright Anukani, and Derrick Nsibambi.

With a quarterfinal berth on the line and knockout football rarely predictable, Tuesday’s Lugogo double header promises drama as teams battle to join Kaaro Karungi in the last eight.