The 2026 Hamz Cup tournament had the group stages officially climax with the knockout level (Round of 16) coming up next.
A total of 170 goals were scored in 48 matches of the group stages in the championship, making its second edition since inception.
On average, 3.5 goals were scored per game played at the Hamz Stadium (Nakivubo War Memorial grounds).
“There was the hunger to score for the teams during the group stages, thanks to the big prize money totaling to Ug.Shs 150,000,000 put by the sponsor, Al Hajji Hamis Kiggundu,” Ruben Ruyombo, one of the organizing committee members revealed during a media interface on Thursday, 27th August 2026.
Battle for golden boot:
After the group stages, Mutaasa Kafeero’s Brian Tumusiime leads the scoring charts with 11 goals. He is closely followed by Park View’s Kenneth Mukwanya (7), Arsenal fans Uganda’s Eric Kibirango (5 goals) and Bright Adoa of Akright City with 4 goals.
Round of 16 match-ups:
The round of 16 matches kick off on the 4th September 2026 when Tororo Boys face Namutamba (4 PM) and Arsenal Fans Uganda tussle with Born Talent at 7 PM.
On 11th September 2026, Block F takes on Boda Boda Union at 4 PM before TikTok squares up against Ngeye Transporters in the floodlit game at 7 PM.
Then, on 19th September 2026, Shawn Davids plays Kafumbe (4 PM), and Mutaasa Kafeero plays NUMARK at 7 PM.
The round of 16 stage will climax on the 24th September 2026 when Best of Best faces Sanyu D Bags (4 PM) and Manchester United fans will then take on Titans at 7 PM.
The successful winners will march to the quarter-finals.
Increased prize money:
The prize money kitty was increased from Ug.Shs 100,000,000 to Ug.Shs 150,000,000.
The champions will take home a cool Ug. Shs 50,000,000, with the runners-up bagging Ug.Shs 25,000,000.
Bronze medalists take Ug. Shs 20,000,000, as the fourth team will earn Ug.Shs 15,000,000.
Each of the four losing quarter-final teams will settle for Ug. Shs 10,000,000.
Individual winners:
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) will take home Ug. Shs 1,000,000, and so is the team with the largest fans’ contingent.
The best goalkeeper, top scorer, fair-play, best coach and two best media personalities will each pocket Ug. Shs 500,000.
Entertainment aside, the tournament is a platform for talent showcase with many scouts, agents and coaches from different teams always keeping a keen eye on the players (most of them non-licensed and others in leagues below the FUFA Big League).
Celebrities from all walks of life; the entertainment world (musicians, comedians and TikTok), sports and politics are also on the show, free of charge once you get access to the stadium.
