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David GOMBE
Ahead of the 2026 edition of the Ankole Cup, organizers along with politicians and sponsors held a dinner on Tuesday at Hotel Africana.
The dinner attracted leaders from the Ankole region ahead of the tournament that is due to kickoff in June to August this year.
Uganda Premier League footballers Paul Mucureezi, Marvin Oshaba and Ivan Ahimbisibwe were among those in attendance.
Hon. Mwine Mpaka, hailed the sponsors for the support rendered towards the tournament.
“I take this opportunity to thank the sponsors who have supported the tournament and I call upon the every district to give lobby for their respective teams.” Said Mpaka
Mpaka expects a successful fifth edition of the event
“This tournament must continue to exits for a purpose. This is the fifth edition of the Ankole Cup and I have trust in the organisers that we shall have a successful tournament.” Added Mpaka
Meanwhile, over Shs20million was collected in auctions that included portraits of Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and President Yoweri Museveni
The football event is slated for June to August and will see 13 district who make up Ankole region tussle it out from the group stage to the final.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, 6th June 2026, with two curtain raiser matches before the Bushenyi takes on Sheema in the Group A contest at 4:30 PM.
The school rivalry between St Kaggwa and Nganwa High School will be the first curtain raiser match at 1 PM before Members of Parliament take on the Media at 3Pm.
The 13 districts were divided into four with Bushenyi district, Sheema district and Ntungamo district in Group A while Group B has Kazo district, Ibanda district and Kiruhura district.
Group C has Isingiro district, Rwampara district, Mbarara City and Kashari whereas Group D has Buhweju district, Rubirizi district and Mitooma district.
Forty-three (43) matches will be played in total from the group stages, quarterfinals (two legs), semifinals (two legs) and the final.
The climax of the tournament will happen on Sunday, 16th August 2026 at the Kabwohe Stadium.
Each district is expected to register 25 players. Of these 20 must be born within that exact district, and five players who feature in superior leagues can be used.
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