BUL FC exit Uganda Cup after penalty heartbreak against SC Villa

BUL FC bowed out of the 52nd edition of the Uganda Cup after a dramatic 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to SC Villa, following a 2–2 draw in normal time.

The Round of 32 encounter was played under floodlights on Wednesday evening at the FUFA Stadium Kadiba.

The match burst into life almost immediately when SC Villa were awarded a penalty in the second minute. Reagan Mpande stepped up two minutes later and calmly converted to give the hosts an early 1–0 advantage.

Villa continued to press, with cautions shown to Richard Okello and Karim Ndugwa as the game became increasingly physical. BUL gradually grew into the contest, creating chances from set pieces, but goalkeeper Lukwago remained solid for Villa.

Just before the break, BUL found a deserved equaliser. In the 44th minute, Reagan Kalyowa rose highest to head home beautifully, sending the sides level at 1–1 heading into halftime.

The Eastern Giants came out flying after the restart and completed the turnaround in the 47th minute when Richard Okello struck to put BUL 2–1 ahead.

The visitors looked in control for long spells, but Villa refused to go quietly. In the 63rd minute, Patrick Kakande restored parity for the hosts, making it 2–2 and reigniting the contest.

Both sides pushed for a winner, with BUL goalkeeper Thomas Ikara producing a superb save to deny Andrew Otim, while Lukwago stood firm at the other end.

Late substitutions were made by both teams as fatigue set in, but neither side could find a decisive goal in the closing minutes, forcing the tie into penalties. In the shootout, SC Villa held their nerve to win 4–3, ending BUL’s Uganda Cup journey in heartbreaking fashion.

Onto round of 16 proud of this team❤️
Alhamudullilah 👏🏿👏🏿 pic.twitter.com/RSkwa0nCpJ

— Mubiru Hassan (@MubiruHassanMH) February 25, 2026

The defeat sees SC Villa join fellow top-flight sides such as KCCA FC, Vipers SC, URA FC, Express FC who have already stormed the Round of 16.