Overview:
The official opening match will be between Bushenyi district and Sheema district at the Bushenyi main stadium on 6th June 2026 with the chief guest expected to the Deputy Speaker of Parliament for the Republic of Uganda Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa.
The prestigious Ankole Cup returns with the 5th edition during the upcoming football off-season epoch between Saturday 6th June to Sunday, 16th August 2026.
There are 13 districts that were drawn in the four different pools.
Group A has Bushenyi district, Sheema district and Ntungamo district. Kazo district, Ibanda district and Kiruhura district are in group B. Group C has Isingiro district, Rwampara district, Mbarara City and Kashari. In Group D, there is Buhweju district, Rubirizi district and Mitooma district.
In total, 43 matches are planned to be played, commencing with the group stages, quarter-finals (two legs), semi-finals (two legs) and the grand finale.
The official opening match will be between Bushenyi district and Sheema district at the Bushenyi main stadium on 6th June 2026 with the chief guest expected to the Deputy Speaker of Parliament for the Republic of Uganda Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa.
The climax will happen on Sunday, 16th August 2026 at the Kabwohe stadium.
Osborne Mushabe, the chairperson of the local organizing committee confirms that the preparations are in a high gear to have a befitting tournament.
“The preparations to have a successful 2026 Ankole Cup are on a high notch. As the organizing team is putting up things together, the respective teams are also preparing their squads and other logistics for a tranquil championship” Mushabe remarks.
Of the 25 man squad per district, 20 of the players must be born within that exact district and five players who feature in superior leagues can be used.
Top players in the country are lured by the different teams to come and feature in this championship.
Politicians), businessmen, opinion leaders, coordinators, team leaders, influencers, footballers, fans and all ordinary citizens are roaring to go for this championship.
The Ankole Cup is a platform to provide unwavering entertainment for the people, unify the varying persons who affiliate to different political groups or social classes and an avenue to help identify raw talented players.
