Buikwe, Uganda: SC Villa and Kitara FC will battle for silverware this Saturday in the final of the Stanbic Uganda Cup at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
The highly anticipated final is scheduled to kick off at 3 pm and will determine Uganda’s representative in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Earlier this week, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) confirmed the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, Buikwe District, as the new venue for the 52nd Uganda Cup final.
The match had initially been slated for FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, but Kitara petitioned FUFA to reconsider the venue, arguing that Kadiba would give Villa an unfair advantage since the Jogoos have used the stadium for several home matches this season. FUFA later approved the change and shifted the final to Njeru.
SC Villa reached the final for the first time in 11 years after defeating URA FC 1-0 at Kadiba to complete a dominant 3-0 aggregate semifinal victory.
The decisive goal came after URA defender James Begisa accidentally turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear Ibrahim Kasinde’s dangerous effort in the first half.
Although the match produced limited scoring opportunities, Villa remained disciplined defensively and comfortably protected their advantage until the final whistle.
The Jogoos last appeared in the Uganda Cup final in 2015, when they defeated KCCA FC at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Villa are now chasing their 10th Uganda Cup title, having last lifted the trophy in 2015.
On the other side, Kitara FC booked their place in the final after eliminating defending champions Vipers SC on the away goals rule.
The Royals secured a 1-1 draw away at Kitende after the first leg had ended goalless.
Gadafi Wahab gave Kitara the lead in the first half following a swift counterattack that stunned the hosts before Vipers equalised through Karim Watambala, who converted a controversial penalty awarded by referee George Olemu after Yunus Sentamu went down inside the box.
Television replays later appeared to show minimal or no contact, sparking protests from Kitara players and officials.
Despite late pressure from Vipers, Kitara defended resiliently to secure qualification for their second Uganda Cup final in three seasons.
Kitara won the 2023/24 Uganda Cup after defeating NEC FC 1-0 at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
Saturday’s final, therefore, presents contrasting ambitions: Villa seeking a return to domestic cup dominance, while Kitara aim to cement their growing status among Uganda’s emerging football powers.
The Uganda Cup remains Uganda’s oldest knockout football competition, having started in 1971, with clubs from both league and non-league football eligible to participate.
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