Kibuli SS have emerged winners of the third edition of the FUFA Tv Cup after a 3-1 win in the Final over Jinja SSS on 9th September 2025 hosted by St. Joseph’s College Layibi, in Gulu City.
Kibuli SS are the Winners at ‘TheShowdown16’ of FUFA Tv Cup 2025 in Gulu City! 🏆
A brace in both halves by Wacha David is all ‘The School’ needed to ease past Jinja SSS who had come into the Final unbeaten, and having defeated Kibuli SS with the same scoreline as well in their earlier meeting, at the group stage on Matchday Three.
Jinja SSS, who remained firm and composed after conceding to an early goal, created numerous scoring opportunities in retaliation before getting a penalty kick, well converted by later to be named tournament MVP, John Brian Owino, that equalled matters though short-lived with Kibuli regaining their lead just a few moments later.
Earlier in the morning, St. Joseph’s College Layibi made light work of previous winners Nabumali High School to claim a bronze finish. The Showdown 16 hosts scored three past the Elgon Chapter representatives, with Raymond Okello scoring a brace and Captain Badru Ogwang with the third. Nabumali High School’s consolation goal came from Emmanuel Situma.
The stage is set for a thrilling finale as Kibuli SS takes on Jinja SSS in the 2025 FUFA TV Cup final, scheduled for Tuesday, September 9th at St. Joseph’s College Layibi in Gulu.
Kibuli SS secured their spot in the grand showdown after edging hosts St. Joseph’s College Layibi 7-6 in a tense penalty shootout. The semifinal clash had ended 1-1 in normal time, with goals from Matovu Ramathan for Kibuli and Ogenrworth Kenneth for Layibi, before the tie was settled from the spot.
On the other side, Jinja SSS stunned reigning champions Nabumali High School to storm into the final. Bbuye Isaac’s decisive strike proved the difference, sealing a famous victory for the Jinja-based side. Their impressive run had earlier seen them dispatch Dr. Obote College Boroboro 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, last year’s winners Nabumali High will have to settle for a third-place playoff against the hosts St. Joseph’s College Layibi, also slated for Tuesday at the same venue.
Nabumali were crowned champions in 2024 after beating Nganwa High School 2-0 at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, but their title defense came to an end in Gulu.
With Kibuli’s rich football heritage and Jinja SSS’s fearless displays this year, the 2025 final promises fireworks as both sides battle for supremacy in the schools’ football arena.
The FUFA TV Cup, known as The Showdown 16, has reached a critical stage following the conclusion of the group matches. With the final standings now confirmed, the fixtures for the quarter-finals and classification matches have been announced for September 6th.
Only four schools didn't lose in their ‘TheShowdown16’ group stage 👏
Group A — St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa Group B — Nabumali High School Group C — Ngora High School Group D — Jinja SSS
The quarter-final matches, all to be played on Pitch 1, promise intense competition. At 9:00 AM, Jinja SSS will face Dr. Obote College Boroboro. This is followed at 11:30 AM by Nabumali High School against St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa. The afternoon sessions will see Ngora High School take on Kibulisi at 2:00 PM and St. Joseph’s College Layibi play Duhaga Secondary School at 4:00 PM.
In addition to the quarter-finals, classification matches will determine the final rankings of the teams that did not advance. These matches are scheduled for Pitch 2 throughout the day. The 9:00 AM fixture pits Muntuyera High School Kitunga against Jinja College. At 11:30 AM, Mpanga SSS will compete with Kako SSS. The 2:00 PM match features St. Balikuddembe SS Mitala Maria against Mbale Sec. School. The day concludes at 4:00 PM with St. Charles Lwanga College Koboko facing Mengo Senior School.
The results from the group stages have set the stage for these decisive encounters. Group A was led by St. Joseph’s College Layibi with 7 points, while St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa secured the second spot with 5 points. Nabumali High School dominated Group B with 7 points, followed by Duhaga Secondary School with 4 points. In Group C, Ngora High School finished first with 7 points and Dr. Obote College Boroboro was second with 6 points. Lastly, Group D saw Jinja SSS and Kibulisi both finishing with 7 and 6 points respectively.
Matchday Three of the FUFA Tv Cup 2025 lit up Gulu City with emphatic wins, upsets, and crucial points as the group stage battle intensified.
In Group A, St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa edged hosts St. Joseph’s College Layibi 1-0, handing the home side their first defeat. Muntuyera High School bounced back strongly with a 4-0 thrashing of Kako SSS.
Group B was dominated by Nabumali High School, who crushed Jinja College 5-1 to remain top of the group. Duhaga SS also collected their first win, beating Mpanga SSS 1-0 in a tight contest.
In Group C, Ngora High School stunned Dr. Obote College Boroboro with a 3-0 victory, reshaping the qualification picture. St. Balikudembe SSS Mitala Maria also shocked Mengo Senior School with a 2-0 win.
Group D proved just as lively, with Jinja SSS defeating Kibuli SS 2-1, while St. Charles Lwanga Koboko secured their first points by overcoming Mbale SS 3-1.
The FUFA Tv Cup 2025 group stage entered its second day at St. Joseph’s College Layibi in Gulu City, producing drama, goals, and decisive results across all groups.
In Group A, hosts St. Joseph’s College Layibi thrilled their home fans with a 2-1 victory over Muntuyera High School, keeping their campaign on track. Kako SSS and St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa, meanwhile, played out a goalless draw.
Group B witnessed commanding displays as Nabumali High School edged Duhaga SS 1-0, while Mpanga SSS defeated Jinja College 3-0 to establish themselves as strong contenders.
In Group C, Dr. Obote College Boroboro maintained their perfect start with a 1-0 win over Mengo Senior School. Ngora High School and St. Balikudembe SSS Mitala Maria served up a 2-2 draw in one of the most entertaining games of the day.
Group D also produced drama as Jinja SSS edged Mbale SS 2-1, while Kibuli SS narrowly beat St. Charles Lwanga Koboko 1-0.
With Matchday Two complete, Nabumali, Boroboro, and Layibi strengthened their positions, while other teams face pressure to bounce back in the remaining fixtures.
The Showdown 16 of the FUFA Tv Cup 2025 final round began today at St. Joseph’s College Layibi in Gulu City. With all sixteen teams putting their preparations to the test in their various groups with openers, Dr. Obote College Boroboro shone brightest, scoring five past St. Balikuddembe SSS Mitala Maria as hosts St. Joseph’s College Layibi edged Kako SSS by a goal.
St. Balikuddembe’s 52nd-minute strike by Gabunga Xavier was not enough to cancel out Ongora Ambrose’s brace, Awio Francis, Onyango Ceasar and Ongom Hawaed’s goals, which put Dr. Obote College Boroboro at the pole position in their group, which also has Mengo Senior School and Ngora High School.
St. Balikuddembe Mitala Maria Starting XIDr. Obote College Starting XI
Earlier in the morning, Ngora High School beat Mengo Senior School 3-2 with Osekeny Emmanuel banging a brace, after Ariong Moses’ first-minute strike. Mengo SS scored through Ssekabira John and Lukajo Brian.
Ngora High School Starting XIMengo Senior School Starting XI
In other games, Nabumali High School through Okilo Silver and Kasule Abubaker got the better of Mpanga SSS; Mbale SS lost by two goals from Matovu Renal and Wacha David for Kibuli SS.
Nabumali High School Starting XIMpanga SSS Starting XIMbale SS Starting XIKibuli SS Starting XI
Duhaga SS played a goalless draw against Jinja College, as Jinja SSS also held St. Charles Lwanga College Koboko in a barren draw.
Duhaga SS Starting XIJinja College Starting XI
For a match that attracted a major cheering crowd in the evening, hosts St. Joseph’s College Layibi got it late as it only needed their Captain Ogwang Badru’s sleak finish to seal their first three points against Kako SSS.
St. Joseph’s College Layibi starting XIKako SSS Starting XI
More action continues tomorrow in Matchday Two of the Group stage.
Gulu City is set for football excitement as St Joseph’s College Layibi hosts the final round of the FUFA TV Cup 2025, famously branded “The Showdown 16.” From 1st to 9th September 2025, the battle for this year’s trophy will take center stage in Northern Uganda.
Sixteen of the best schools from across the country will converge at Layibi, each carrying the pride of their regions. These schools earned their places by qualifying through regional chapters, and now all eyes are on who will rise to the occasion and be crowned champions. It is notable that the defending champions Nabumali High School is amongst the 16 ready to defend their trophy.
Three pioneer schools including Mengo Senior School, Jinja College and the Inaugural winner St Mary’s College Kisubi will also be in Layibi.
The teams are expected to arrive in Gulu on Monday, 1st September, with the action kicking off the next day. The opening ceremony match promises fireworks as the hosts, St Joseph’s College Layibi, take on Kako SSS at 4pm.
The Tournament Format
The 16 schools were drawn into four groups of four. At the group stage, each team will face the others in a round-robin format. Only the top two schools from each group will progress to the knockout stages – quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately the grand final.
The Groups
Group A: St. Joseph’s College Layibi, Kako SSS, Muntuyera High School, St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa
Group B: Nabumali High School, Mpanga SSS, Duhaga SS, Jinja College
Group C: St. Mary’s College Kisubi, Dr. Obote College Boroboro, Ngora High School, Mengo Senior School
Group D: Jinja SSS, St. Charles Lwanga College Koboko, Mbale SS, Kibuli SS
Expectations and Talking Points
This year’s edition promises fierce competition. Traditional giants such as St. Mary’s College Kisubi and Kibuli SS will be looking to stamp their authority, while emerging forces like St. Charles Lwanga Koboko and Ngora High School arrive hungry to upset the order.
The hosts, St. Joseph’s College Layibi, carry the weight of home support and will be eager to make a strong statement in front of their fans. Northern Uganda is expected to come alive with vibrant crowds, school anthems, and youthful energy throughout the nine-day football action.
The spotlight will also be on individual brilliance, tactical battles, and the never-dying school spirit that makes the FUFA Tv Cup unique.
The big question remains: Which school will rise above the rest and take home the coveted trophy?
The FUFA Tv Cup Showdown 16 has arrived. Out of 54 registered schools, the tournament has now narrowed to 16 who will battle for glory in Gulu at St. Joseph’s College Layibi from 1st to 9th September 2025.
Speaking before the draw, the chairperson of the organising committee, Dr Apolo Ahimbisibwe, highlighted the importance of the competition. ‘This competition is about bringing football into academic institutions,’ he said. ‘Many parents stop their children from playing because they think it interferes with studies, yet we have players who excel in class and also earn government sponsorship at university.’
He stressed the connection between education and sport. ‘Excellent students in class can become excellent players because football also involves the use of the brain,’ he remarked. Alumni from various schools have also been active followers of the competition which continues to grow each year.
This year the final phase has expanded from eight to sixteen teams. ‘We wanted to give more schools the chance to play at this stage’ Dr Ahimbisibwe explained. Teams that fall short of qualification will still compete in classification matches, ensuring everyone gets more playing time.
Explaining the choice of venue, Dr Ahimbisibwe revealed why St. Joseph’s College Layibi was selected. ‘It has one of the best grounds in the country. We also looked at infrastructure, accommodation and logistics to make the finals memorable for the participants,’ he said. He added that future editions may move across the FUFA football regions. ‘We want to spread the competition across the country. Probably next time it will be in Western Uganda or another region.’
He also pointed out the role of the fans. ‘These matches will be open to supporters, and in that way we have more people watching the competition.’
Group Draws
Group A: St. Joseph’s College Layibi, Kako SSS, Muntuyera High School, St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa
Group B: Nabumali High School, Mpanga SSS, Duhaga SS, Jinja College
Group C: St. Mary’s College Kisubi, Dr. Obote College Boroboro, Ngora High School, Mengo Senior School
Group D: Jinja SSS, St. Charles Lwanga College Koboko, Mbale SS, Kibuli SS
After weeks of action-packed football across the country, the Round of 32 of the 2025 edition of the FUFA Tv Cup came to a dramatic conclusion, with 15 schools confirming their places in the final phase to be held in Gulu.
Unlike previous edition where the Round of 16 was played on a home-and-away basis before the final eight (nicknamed The Giant Eight) gathered in Njeru, this year’s format brings a fresh twist. All 16 winners from the Round of 32 will travel to St. Joseph’s College Layibi in Gulu for a week-long grand finale scheduled for 1st to 7th September 2025.
This new structure will allow players, coaches, and fans to share the same footballing environment—creating lasting memories and new rivalries in the spirit of unity and sportsmanship.
The second leg action began on Friday, 1st August, with a tightly contested clash between Mengo Senior School and Namilyango College. Both legs ended goalless, but in the penalty shootout, Mengo’s goalkeeper stole the show—saving three penalties to send his team to Gulu with a 3-1 win in spot kicks. Mengo became the first school to secure a slot in the final 16.
Saturday brought fireworks, with five gripping matches played across the country.
St. Mary’s College Kisubi, the inaugural FUFA Tv Cup champions, promised and delivered. They showed their experience with a 2-1 home win over St. Balikuddembe SS Mitala Maria, going through on a 3-2 aggregate after drawing the first leg.
Kibuli SS once again proved their strength. With a commanding 3-0 win over Kololo SSS, they extended their clean-sheet run and are yet to concede a goal in this year’s tournament.
Ngora High School booked their spot with flair, beating St. Peter’s College Tororo 3-1 in the return leg to progress 4-1 on aggregate.
Kako SS pulled off a hard-fought 2-1 away win against Gombe SS, overturning the tie and qualifying with a 3-2 overall score.
The biggest shock of the day came from Bushenyi. Last season’s finalists Nganwa High School were knocked out by a determined St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa side, who had already won the first leg 3-0. Nganwa lost 1-2, and home crowd wasn’t enough to save them.
Sunday was all about finishing strong and claiming the remaining slots. The pressure was high, and the players delivered.
Muntuyera High School edged St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School 1-0 to complete a 3-1 aggregate win.
Jinja SS comfortably saw off Mehta SS with a 2-0 home win, topping the tie 3-0 overall.
Jinja College had to work harder, needing penalties after a 1-1 draw with Kiira College Butiki. They held their nerve to win the shootout 5-4 and qualify.
Mbale SS beat Bukoyo SS 2-0, finishing the tie 3-1 on aggregate.
St. Charles Lwanga College Koboko made a statement with a 3-1 away win over St. Joseph’s College Ombaci, adding to their first-leg win for a 4-1 aggregate.
Duhaga SS showed consistency, sealing a 2-0 win against Sir Tito Winyi SSS and progressing with a 4-1 scoreline.
Our final tournament hosts St. Joseph’s College Layibi made their fans proud by defeating city rivals Gulu High School 2-1, after the first leg ended 0-0.
Nabumali High School edged Dr. Obote College Boroboro 1-0 to qualify with a 2-1 aggregate.
Mpanga SSS showed strength over both legs, winning 2-0 against Nyakasura School and cruising into the next round.
However, not all teams reached the finish line fairly. In an unfortunate development, Aduku SS and Lango College were both disqualified from the tournament due to unsporting behavior. This leaves only 15 confirmed teams.
The Organising Committee will now decide what happens to the 16th spot—whether it will be filled by a lucky loser, a wildcard, or another team based on fair play and merit.
Here Are the 15 Teams That Have Qualified (So Far):
Mengo Senior School
St. Mary’s College Kisubi
Kibuli Secondary School
Ngora High School
Kako Senior Secondary School
St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa
Muntuyera High School
Jinja Senior Seconday School
Jinja College
Mbale Secondary School
St. Charles Lwanga College Koboko
Duhaga Secondary School
St. Joseph’s College Layibi
Nabumali High School
Mpanga Senior Secondary School
Under the banner of “Excellence in Academics and Sports,” the FUFA TV Cup continues to be a platform for discipline, talent development, and national pride. Stay with us for all the action, stories, and highlights from the road to Gulu.
The FUFA Tv Cup Organising Committee is pleased to inform all participating schools that the final tournament of the FUFA Tv Cup 2025 will take place at St. Joseph’s College Layibi in Gulu. The tournament will run from 1st to 7th September 2025 during the second term school holidays.
Sixteen teams will qualify from the ongoing matches and gather in Gulu for the final stage of the competition. We are excited about the progress so far and look forward to a successful and competitive conclusion to the tournament.
All schools that qualify for the final tournament will be required to submit player pass slips and recommendation letters. These documents must be submitted immediately after the Round of 32 and no later than 7th August 2025.
We thank you for your continued participation and support. We look forward to hosting the final tournament in Gulu and celebrating the talent and spirit of school football across Uganda.
Progress is sighted in the prestigious FUFA Tv Cup tournament this year with the first leg of the Round of 32 wrapped up on Sunday, July 27, having 16 matches played across different regions of Uganda. What began as a weekend of promise quickly turned into a battlefield of school football pride — filled with joy, tension, heartbreak, and hope. From the North through the Central, Eastern, western to the Southern regions, each game brought out the very essence of the tournament: Excellence in Academics and Sports.
Emotions ran high, the action unfolded over two days — Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July — leaving fans with memorable moments and players with everything to fight for in the return leg.
By the numbers
· 24 goals were scored across 16 matches
· 8 matches ended in draws, 5 of which were 1-1 and 3 goalless
· A balance of victories witnessed – 4 home teams and 4 away teams won, underlining the intensity and competitiveness
· St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa produced the biggest win, a stunning 3-0 victory over last year’s runners-up Nganwa High School Kabwohe.
· A total of 8 teams now head into the second leg with an advantage, but no tie is truly settled yet
The opening day (Saturday 26th July 2025) saw 10 games light up school grounds across the country, each with its own storyline.
One of the most intense matchups came from Lira, where Dr. Obote College Boroboro stood tall against reigning champions Nabumali High School, holding them to a 1-1 draw. Nabumali drew first blood through Okiru Silver in the 10th minute, but the resilient Boroboro boys equalized through Awio Francis early in the second half, setting up a high-stakes return leg.
At Lugazi, Jinja SSS’s lone goal by Owino John was enough to earn a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mehta SS, giving the guests a slim but valuable edge.
In Namilyango, the cameras rolled and so did the tackles in a live televised match between Namilyango College and Mengo SS. Despite high expectations and the presence of FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, both sides played out a goalless draw, leaving much to be decided next weekend.
The FUFA President Hon. @MosesMagogo was in attendance at Namilyango College vs Mengo Senior School #FUFATvCup match! He engaged with players in the post-match, promoting growth & sportsmanship in Ugandan football. He is a former student of Namilyango College. The match ended… pic.twitter.com/8c8WCCITo1
Meanwhile, in the Jinja derby, Kiira College Butiki and Jinja College neutralized each other in a 0-0 affair, a result that left the hosts disappointed and the tie wide open.
Sunday’s six games provided no less drama, with underdogs rising and big names showing nerves of steel.
Kibuli SS, who were knocked out in this very stage last season, returned with intent. A composed and disciplined performance saw them edge Kololo SS 1-0 away from home, extending their unbeaten and clean sheet streak in this year’s tournament.
The clash between Gombe SS and Kakos SS ended in a 1-1 draw, a fair result that means both sides carry equal pressure into the second leg.
Ngora High School stunned St. Peter’s College Tororo with a 1-0 win on their turf, silencing the home crowd and earning one of the weekend’s biggest away victories.
The performance of the round came from St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa, who blew away last year’s runners-up Nganwa High School Kabwohe with a convincing 3-0 home victory. It was a showcase of clinical finishing, tactical maturity, and home support, putting Kasasa in a commanding position ahead of the return leg.
Meanwhile, St. Balikuddembe SS Mitala Maria and St. Mary’s College Kisubi shared a 1-1 draw, in a well-contested affair where both sides showed promise.
In the final game of the round, Aduku SS and Lango College locked horns in a 1-1 draw, leaving fans eager for what the second leg in Lango will bring.
With the first leg now behind us, all eyes turn to the return leg fixtures scheduled for 1st to 3rd August 2025. For some teams, the mission is to protect a narrow lead; for others, it’s a chance to regroup, rise, and rewrite their story.
The FUFA Tv Cup continues to grow as more than just a football competition. It stands as a powerful platform where young talent flourishes, school pride takes center stage, and communities unite through the beautiful game — all while promoting its core value of Excellence in Academics and Sports.
If the first leg proved anything, it’s that no match is predictable — and the path to the Round of 16 is still wide open. It is noted that away goals rule is not a determinant for winner in the FUFA Tv Cup tournament.
The stage is officially set for the knockout phase of the FUFA TV Cup 2025, with the Round of 32 kicking off this weekend Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July 2025 across various host schools in the country.
Ten matches will be played on Saturday, followed by six more fixtures on Sunday, as 32 top-performing secondary schools battle for a place in the Round of 16.
Ahead of the big weekend, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has once again walked the talk by fulfilling its promise made at the start of this edition to support schools with essential competition gear.
On Thursday 24th July, the federation officially handed over two sets of jerseys to each of the schools that qualified for the Round of 32. The handover ceremony, held at the FUFA Complex in Mengo, was graced by members of the tournament’s organizing committee led by Chairman Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe and Vice Chairperson Mr. Mugerwa Jeremiah.
Representatives from ten participating schools including games teachers and players were in attendance to receive jerseys in their chosen colors—an important logistical and motivational boost just before matchday.
‘Receiving two sets will solve the challenge of home and away kits, especially when teams have similar colors,’ noted Rhashid Dembe, Football Patron at Kibuli Secondary School.
Sewaya Ismail, Games Teacher at Kiira College Butiki, praised the quality of the kits, describing them as better than usual and a big motivation for the players.
‘We are ready for Jinja College. They’re technically sound, but our focus is on progressing to the Round of 16,’ he added.
All eyes will be on defending champions Nabumali High School as they open their title defense against Dr. Obolo College Boroboro.
Last year’s quarterfinalists Mengo SS have their work cut out as they clash with football giants Namilyango College in what promises to be a thriller.
Kiira College Butiki vs Jinja College is another much-anticipated showdown, with both tournament pioneers setting their sights on a deep run in this year’s tournament, one will have to stay and the other soars.
From the players, the energy is unmistakable.
Magogo Shakur Lucky Baggio of Namilyango College expressed his confidence ahead of their fixture.
‘We play Mengo SS next. This is the genesis of our story, and we hope to eliminate them.’
Former champions St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK) will take on St. Balikuddembe Mitala Maria, a rematch of last year’s Round of 64 fixture, which SMACK surprisingly lost. Can they rewrite the script this time?
‘Being inaugural champions, expectations are high, We want to prove that we are the true champions and that we had all it takes to win St Balikuddembe in the previous edition if we had played both legs.’ said Ronald Malcolm Mugalu, SMACK’s Games Teacher.
‘We had to fight through spotkicks against Ndejje SSS in the qualifiers, but we are here to prove ourselves. That wasn’t our full potential,’ he added
Meanwhile, Kibuli SS, who are yet to concede a goal this edition, aim to reach the Round of 16 for the first time in their FUFA TV Cup history. Their hurdle? A tough Kololo SSS side also hungry for glory.
‘Kibuli SS is a strong side, but we are up to the task. We’ll deliver a solid performance,’ promised Kisakye Ambrose, Assistant Captain of Kololo SSS.
The Qualifier Round of the 2025 FUFA Tv Cup delivered a thrilling mix of tactical battles, emotional triumphs and unforgettable football moments as schools across the country fought for a coveted spot in the Round of 32. In total, the Qualifier Round produced a staggering 69 goals, 27 in the first leg and 42 in the second leg.
Among the 64 schools that featured in the qualifier round, only three managed to keep clean sheets over both legs. These are Kibuli SS, Bukoyo SS and Duhaga SS. Kibuli SS showcased dominance and maturity winning 2-0 away at Old Kampala SSS before sealing the tie with a commanding 3-0 victory at home. Duhaga SS also had a flawless defensive performance, edging St Edward’s Bukuumi 1-0 on the road before completing the job with a 2-0 win at home. Bukoyo SS also proved clinical, securing their ticket with a 1-0 win away at Bukooli College before confirming their spot with a 2-0 triumph in front of their home fans.
In one of the most dramatic ties of the round, St Mary’s College Kisubi survived a scare. Inaugural champions had to dig deep to eliminate Ndejje SS. After a 3-1 win in Kisubi, they traveled to Ndejje only to fall behind 2-0 at halftime and 3-0 early in the second half trailing 4-3 on aggregate. A late surge salvaged a 4-2 loss, making it 5-5 on aggregate. In the following spot kicks shootout, it was St Mary’s who held their nerve to progress with a 4-2 converted shots.
Iganga High School wrote a story of resilience. After a 2-0 first-leg loss to Mbale SS, they responded with an identical scoreline in the return leg. But in the end, it was Mbale SS who edged the dramatic shootout 8-7 to advance.
In northern Uganda, St Joseph’s College Layibi bounced back from a 1-0 away defeat to St Aloysius College Nyapea with a 2-1 win at home, sending the tie into penalties where Layibi triumphed 4-1 in front of their blissful crowd.
Several teams failed to capitalize on home support in the return leg. St Joseph’s SSS Naggalama scored early to cancel Mehta SS’s first-leg lead, but a second-half goal by Mehta ensured their 2-1 aggregate progress. Bishop’s SS Mukono produced a 2-2 home draw but it wasn’t enough to overturn their 3-1 first-leg defeat to Namilyango College. Meanwhile, King’s College Budo could not break down St Balikuddembe SS’s defense at home after a 2-1 first-leg loss, bowing out following a frustrating 0-0 draw.
Kiira College Butiki and Busoga College Mwiri, both tournament pioneers, clashed in an electric second-leg showdown. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Butiki rose to the occasion with a strong 3-1 win to progress with a 4-2 aggregate score.
Ngora High School put on a show at home with a 5-0 thrashing of Sebei College Tegeres, who had held them to a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
Pending Battles and Decisions
Manjasi High School and St Peter’s College Tororo will square off in their decisive second-leg fixture on Wednesday, 23rd July. Meanwhile, a petition case between Nyakasura School and St Leo’s College Kyegobe awaits resolution by the organizing committee to determine who secures the last spot in the next round.
FUFA Tv Cup 2025 | Qualifier Round, First Leg Result 🏆
With most ties concluded and 30 schools confirmed, attention now shifts to the Round of 32, with first-leg matches scheduled for the weekend of 26th and 27th July 2025.
Teams qualified for the Round of 32
The schools include Nabumali High School, Nganwa High School Kabwohe, Gombe SS, Jinja SSS, Lango College, Mengo SS, St. Charles Lwanga College Koboko, Mpanga SSS, Jinja College, Kako SSS, Bukooyo SS, Duhaga SS, Gulu High School, Kibuli SS, Kiira College Butiki, Mbale SS, Mehta SS, Namilyango College, Ngora High School, Nyakasura School/St. Leo’s College Kyegobe, Sir Tito Winyi SSS, St. Joseph’s College Layibi, St. Balikudembe SS Mitala Maria, St. Mary’s College Kisubi, the winner – St. Peter’s College Tororo/Manjasi High School, Aduku SS, Dr. Obote College Boroboro, Kololo SSS, Muntuyera High School, St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School, St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa and St. Joseph’s College Ombaci.
The FUFA TV Cup 2025 continued to deliver fireworks on Sunday as the first leg of the qualifier round wrapped up with a thrilling slate of seven matches played across the country. From dominant home wins to tense draws and dramatic finishes, the day had it all.
Kibuli SSS kicked off the Sunday drama with a commanding 2–0 victory over tournament heavyweights Old Kampala SS, putting one foot firmly into the next round. Their sharp attacking play and organized backline left the visitors with little room to breathe, giving the hosts a crucial first-leg cushion.
One of the standout performances of the day came from Namilyango College, who swept aside Bishop’s SS 3–1 in a game filled with attacking brilliance. Goals from Kirungi Mathew, Wankoko Julius and Muwando David fired the hosts to a memorable win. Although Ssenyonjo Joshua pulled one back for Bishop’s SS, it was only a consolation as Namilyango controlled the tie.
At Ngora High School, fans witnessed a tightly contested clash as the home side was held to a 1–1 draw by Sebei College Tegeres, setting up a nervy return leg. Both teams showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t break the deadlock again after exchanging goals early in the encounter.
In Zombo District, St Aloysius College Nyapea edged St Joseph Layibi College 1–0, with Opolot proving the hero thanks to a first-half winner. The narrow margin means it’s still all to play for in the return leg.
Elsewhere, Sir Samuel Baker School played out a 1–1 draw with Gulu High School, with both teams cancelling each other out in a game of equals. It was a fixture full of end-to-end action, but neither side could find the breakthrough to tilt the advantage.
A highly anticipated clash between St Balikuddembe Mitala Maria and King’s College Budo lived up to its billing. The hosts edged the contest 2–1 thanks to goals from Gabunga Exavior and Ahabwe Brandon. Katumba Rahim gave Budo hope with a well-taken goal, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a result.
Busoga College Mwiri and Kiira College Butiki also shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw, leaving the tie finely poised heading into the second leg. Both teams showed resilience and will need to raise their levels to progress.
The weekend action concluded in style as Kabalega SS secured a convincing 2–0 home win over Sir Tito Winyi SSS, delivering a composed performance in front of their supporters to round off a weekend of quality football.
With the first legs now in the books, the focus swiftly shifts to the return fixtures, where teams will aim to overturn deficits, hold onto narrow leads, or cause surprises.
The first leg of the qualifier round of the FUFA TV Cup took place today, with the opening ceremony hosted at St Mary’s College Kisubi. The hosts took on Ndejje SSS in a match that ended 3–1 in their favour.
Goals from Ronald Odong, Shawn Bwogi, and Sherin Tukashaba sealed the victory for the inaugural winners of the competition. The visitors got on the scoresheet through Daniel Okello before the half-time break to make it 1–1, but the home side added two more in the second half.
While speaking to the press after the match, the St Mary’s College Kisubi Head Coach highlighted the team’s preparation, especially after falling short in the previous edition.
‘Being the first game of this tournament, edition number three, we had to prepare a lot having come in the second edition as defending champions and we didn’t make it any further,’ he said.
‘Like any other team, the target is reaching far and of course reaching the finals and consequently taking the trophy. That is our target, nothing else,’ he added.
The third edition of the FUFA TV Cup is set to kick off this weekend, 12th and 13th July 2025. This was announced by the Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Dr Apollo Ahimbisibwe, who was flanked by the Vice Chairperson, Jeremiah Mugerwa, during a press conference held on Wednesday, 9th July 2025, at the FUFA Complex.
The competition will be played on a home and away basis and five balls will be given to the participating schools. The teams that qualify for the next round will then receive Janzi-branded jerseys.
The chairperson of the organising committee Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe, while making the announcements, highlighted the success stories.
Students Joel Shama Muwanguzi and Anthony Luis Kagenyi from St Mary’s College Kisubi have been admitted to Law School, while Phillip Katumwa of King’s College Budo has been admitted to Medical School, all on national merit.
‘The message that we are sending is that you can play football and still excel in academics,’ he said.
‘Gift Fred Mutalya and Jimmy Lagoro excelled in the tournament and are now playing for big teams in the country. BUL FC and Express FC respectively,’ he added.
While making the opening remarks, the Vice Chairperson, Jeremiah Mugerwa, thanked the schools for their patience and gave assurance about the timing of the competition.
‘I would like to thank you for being patient. We feel this is the best moment and we are not late,’ he said.
A total of 54 schools are participating in this edition of the FUFA Tv Cup. Ten schools have earned direct qualification to the Round of 32—these include last season’s Giant 8 and the two best-performing schools from the round of 16.
The ten schools are: Nabumali High School, Nganwa High School, Mengo Senior School, Jinja SSS, St. Charles Lwanga Koboko, Mpanga SSS, Lango College, Gombe SSS, Kako SSS, and Jinja College.
The remaining 44 schools will compete in the Qualifier Round on a home-and-away basis, with the 22 winners progressing to join the ten seeded teams in the Round of 32.
St. Marys College Kisubi vs Ndejje SSS will be the opening ceremony fixture.
Born and raised in Kitgum, Northern Uganda, Lagoro Jimmy’s journey to professional football is a testament to talent, dedication, and the pivotal role of educational institutions in nurturing sports excellence.
His academic pursuits led him to King’s College Budo, a prestigious institution renowned for its commitment to both education and sports. Here, Lagoro honed his skills, balancing rigorous academic demands with a passion for football.
Lagoro finished his Senior 4 last year at the school and plays as a winger.
The FUFA TV Cup, an initiative by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), has been instrumental in providing young talents with a platform to showcase their abilities. The 2024 edition saw schools like Nabumali High School and Nganwa High School reaching the finals, with Nabumali emerging victorious. Such tournaments are crucial in bridging the gap between grassroots football and professional leagues.
Scouts from top-tier clubs keenly observe these competitions, seeking the next generation of football stars. Lagoro Jimmy’s exceptional performance did not go unnoticed, leading to his recruitment by Express FC, one of Uganda’s premier football clubs.
Express FC has been proactive in strengthening its squad for the 2024/2025 season, unveiling new players and refurbishing their stadium to enhance both team performance and fan experience. The inclusion of players like Lagoro Jimmy aligns with the club’s vision of building a dynamic and competitive team.
Lagoro’s journey from Kitgum to the national football stage serves as an inspiration to many young athletes across Uganda. It highlights the significance of platforms like the FUFA TV Cup in identifying and nurturing talent, and the role of educational institutions in supporting students’ dual aspirations in academics and sports.
The FUFA Tv Cup 2024 ended today at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru as Nganwa High School and Nabumali High School wrestled it out in the evening.
The first half ended 2-0 in favour of the Mbale-based side with goals from Gerald Ochwo in the sixth minute and Edwin Wokoli in the thirteenth minute.
Nabumali High School’s Edwin Wokoli sealed his side’s victory after scoring in the sixtieth minute.
The FUFA Tv Cuo 2023 top scorer Gift Fred Mutalya from Kiira College Butiki delivered the new competition trophy to the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, before kickoff.
The FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo Hassim attended the event in the company of Exco Members-FUFA Tv Cup Chairman Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe and Ariga Rasoul. The President conducted pre-match ceremonies including an inspection of both teams.
Earlier during the day, Jinja SSS played against Lango College as they tussled it out for third place. Hamisi Magumba scored twice for the eastern side while Emmanuel Ogwal scored the consolation goal for Lango College.
