David GOMBE
Kitara FC were crowned champions of the 52nd Stanbic Uganda Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over SC Villa at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, bringing the 2026 edition of Uganda’s premier knockout football competition to a thrilling conclusion.
The final delivered excitement from the opening minutes, with SC Villa taking an early lead before Kitara responded almost immediately to level the contest. The Hoima-based side completed the comeback shortly after halftime through Jimmy Kalema’s decisive strike, securing their second Stanbic Uganda Cup title in three seasons and earning the right to represent Uganda in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.
Beyond the action on the pitch, the final showcased the remarkable growth of the Stanbic Uganda Cup over the last six years, a journey that Kansai Plascon has proudly supported through its Twaake platform. Thousands of fans turned up in Njeru, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with colour, passion and excitement that reflected the tournament’s increasing stature within Ugandan football.
As one of the tournament’s key sponsors, Plascon joined football stakeholders, fans and officials in celebrating another successful edition of the competition. The final demonstrated the growing appeal of local football, attracting significant fan attendance, strong media coverage and widespread engagement from communities across the country.
Speaking after the final, Benjamin Bicung, Marketing Coordinator at Kansai Plascon, highlighted the transformation the tournament has undergone since the brand joined the competition six years ago through the Twaake campaign.
“Six years ago, we partnered with the Uganda Cup because we believed in the power of local football to unite communities and inspire people across the country. Today, when you look at the quality of competition, the fan turnout, the media interest and the excitement surrounding the final, it is clear that the tournament has continued to grow into one of the most important sporting properties in Uganda. We are proud that through Twaake, Plascon has been part of that journey and will continue supporting its growth.”
“What we have witnessed here in Njeru today is exactly what we stand for. The colour in the stands, the energy from the fans and the passion displayed throughout the match reflect the spirit of Ugandan sport. As a paint brand, colour is at the heart of who we are, but Twaake goes beyond colour. It is about bringing people together, celebrating talent and creating memorable experiences for fans wherever sport is played.”
The final also provided a platform to celebrate some of the tournament’s outstanding performers, with newly crowned champions Kitara FC dominating the individual accolades. Gadafi Wahab emerged as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Best Midfielder, while Meddie Kibirige was named Best Goalkeeper. George Senkaaba finished as one of the tournament’s top scorers with four goals, while Frank “Zagga” Tumwesigye earned the FlexiPay Man of the Match award for his performance in the final. SC Villa captain David Owori was recognized as the tournament’s Best Defender.
Kitara’s success capped an impressive cup campaign and further underlined the club’s emergence as one of Uganda’s most competitive football institutions. Their latest triumph follows their maiden Uganda Cup success in 2024 and reinforces their growing reputation on the domestic scene.
“We congratulate today’s champions and wish them success as they prepare to represent Uganda on the continental stage. Their achievement is a reminder of the talent that exists within our football ecosystem. We are investing in platforms that give players opportunities, inspire young people and strengthen communities. Our long-term vision is to continue supporting sports development across Uganda while creating deeper engagement between fans, teams and the communities they represent.” Bicung added.
As the curtain falls on another successful Stanbic Uganda Cup season, the tournament leaves behind memorable football moments, emerging stars and renewed excitement for the future.
