Category: The FUFA Drum

At the inception of the inter-provincial football tournament known as the FUFA Drum in 2018, West-Nile Province became one of the pioneer sixteen provinces to compete in the then FUFA’s newest competition which was launched by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim as another platform to provide football stakeholders to celebrate their ancestry.

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Yet for reigning champions West Nile, the tournament does not just stop at providing a platform for celebrating their ancestry but also their diversity as a region.

Sam Rwothomio, an ardent football fan who resides in Nebbi town says the tournament goes beyond just providing for the province an opportunity to celebrate their ancestry.

“West Nile has so many tribes with different cultural settings, so for us, the FUFA drum isn’t just about celebrating our ancestry as a people but also about celebrating our diversity that we have embraced from a long time ago.” — Sam Rwothomio

The province boasts of tribes such as Madi, Alur, Kakwa, Lugbara, Kebu, Aringa, and Nubi among others and this according to Mike Letti, the team manager of West Nile Province, provides an opportunity for the players to learn from one another the different cultural practices when they get together adding that West Nile is the only province that ”speaks English” in the dressing room.

“Our cultural diversity gives the boys opportunity to learn from one another the different cultural practices from across the region, and also given the large pool of players we have, it enhances competition in the team as players don’t only want to represent the province but also their tribes in the squad” — Mike Letti

West Nile province, unlike other provinces that have chosen other wild animals to represent their heritage, chose the white rhino, the most social of all rhino species as their symbol.

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In the 1960s, the British took a number of the white rhino species from West Nile to South Africa and according to the Prime Minister of Lugbara Kari Rt. Hon. Ismail Tuku, they failed to reproduce and they have since been brought back to Uganda.

Ariga Rasoul, the chairperson of the province and an executive member of FUFA says the choice of the white rhino as the symbol for the province was meant to, among other things, portray the social nature of the West Nile people.

“We chose the White Rhino as our symbol to portray the social nature of the people of West Nile. We also wanted an animal that would represent the whole region given our tribal diversity.” — Ariga Rasoul

During the first edition, West Nile finished as runner-up after losing to Buganda Province (2-1) on aggregate in the final that was played over two legs before triumphing in the 2022-2023 edition; defeating Lango Province 3-2 on aggregate.

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The white rhinos go into this year’s edition as one of the favourites along with former winners Buganda and Acholi having been drawn in Group C; alongside Bugisu and the winner between Karamoja and Busoga; with the latter favourites after thrashing the former 4-1 in the first leg of their preliminary qualifying match.

The fourth edition of the FUFA Drum got underway with two qualification games on the card on Saturday.

At Kigaaya Primary School ground, Hoima Bunyoro province welcomed Sebei in a tie that saw the home side convincingly win 3-0.

Bunyoro province fielded a side that had familiar faces such as Uganda Cranes defender Gift Fred, KCCA FC’s Brian Aheebwa, Frank Zaga and Kabon Living.

Kabon broke the deadlock at the half hour mark after numerous attempts and attacks at the visitors territory.

Ten minutes later Brian Aheebwa doubled the hosts lead to ensure they go for recess in a comfortable lead.

Full-Time! ⏰#BUNSEB | Bunyoro Province 3-0 Sebei Province

Powered by: @mtnug, @NileSpecial and @RockBoom_UG #CelebratingOurAncestry | #FUFADrum2023 pic.twitter.com/yL7uREOstb

— FUFA Drum (@FUFADrum) June 24, 2023

One minute into the second half, Kabon completed his brace and went on to be named the Man Of The Match after full time.

#BUNSEB | Man of the Match — Living Kabon (Bunyoro Province)

Result: Bunyoro Province 3-0 Sebei Province#CelebratingOurAncestry | #FUFADrum2023 pic.twitter.com/xgFiH4ATHo

— FUFA Drum (@FUFADrum) June 24, 2023

Both sides will meet again in the return leg a week later at Sebei College in Kapchorwa on Saturday 1st July 2023.

At Kings George stadium, Tororo, home side Bukedi Province succumbed to a 0-2 loss against Ankole.

A 3rd minute own goal from defender Benon Tahomera and a Seiri Arigumaho 59th minute strike gifted the visitors with the priceless and vital first leg victory.

Full-Time! ⏰#BUKANK | Bukedi Province 0-2 Ankole Province

Powered by: @mtnug, @NileSpecial and @RockBoom_UG #CelebratingOurAncestry | #FUFADrum2023 pic.twitter.com/LlcrsiLNpf

— FUFA Drum (@FUFADrum) June 24, 2023

Arigumaho who game the home side a troublesome evening was went on to scoop the Man Of The Match gong.

#BUKANK | Man of the Match — Seiri Arigumaho (Ankole Province)

Result: Bukedi Province 0-2 Ankole Province

Powered by: @mtnug, @NileSpecial and @RockBoom_UG #CelebratingOurAncestry | #FUFADrum2023 pic.twitter.com/psl3yjuOzn

— FUFA Drum (@FUFADrum) June 24, 2023

They will meet again next Saturday 1st July at Bushenyi stadium to determine who storms the group stages.

More group stage qualification action continue tomorrow, Sunday 25th with two games on the plate that will witness Rwenzori entertain Kigezi at Nyakasanga, Kasese while Busoga will host Karamoja at Municipal stadium, Kamuli before the return legs both on Sunday 2nd July 2023.

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2023 edition format

The fourth edition comes with several changes including increase in the number of games from 36 played last year to 42.

Additionally, this year’s final will be played on a one-legged basis.

The new format

On the basis of the last edition’s performance, the best 8 provinces (Quarterfinalists) get a bye at the first round.

Last year’s Quarterfinalists include West Nile, Lango, Acholi, Tooro, Buganda, Kampala, Teso and Bugisu.

The 8 provinces that did not make it to the quarterfinals last year were randomly paired and will play at the first round.

The first round fixtures are as follows;

Bunyoro vs Sebei
Ankole vs Bukedi
Rwenzori vs Kigezi
Busoga vs Karamoja

The aforementioned fixtures will be played on a home and away basis. The winners on aggregate will proceed to the group stage.

Group phase

Unlike the previous editions, this year, the competition will have four groups each with three provinces.

Semifinalists from last year’s edition have been seeded and each were placed in a separate group. The four provinces include West Nile, Lango, Acholi and Tooro.

At the group stage, the games will be played on a home and away basis.

The best two teams from each group will progress to the quarterfinals. The games at this level will also be played on a home and away basis with the winners on aggregate advancing to the semifinals.

Groups

Group A
Teso
Winner between Ankole and Bukedi
Acholi

Group B
Lango
Kampala
Winner between Rwenzori or Kigezi

Group C
Winner between Busoga and Karamoja
West Nile
Bugisu

Group D
Winner between Bunyoro and Sebei
Tooro
Buganda

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The Qualification fixtures get underway on Saturday 24th June 2023 with Bunyoro hosting Sebei in the first leg while Bukedi will entertain Ankole province.

On Sunday 25th June, Rwenzori will host Kigezi while Busoga hosts Karamoja.

The return leg of the above mentioned fixtures will be played on 1st and 2nd July 2023 to determine who qualifies to the group stages.

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The fourth edition of the FUFA Drum has on Tuesday been launched with the draws for the coveted competition also conducted.

The function was held at FUFA Complex. It was graced by FUFA Drum Organizing Committee Chairperson Rogers Byamukama.

Trade and Marketing manager Harris International Limited Jalia Ssebugwawo and Brand Manager Club and Premium at Nile Special Joel Galla.

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2023 edition format

The fourth edition comes with several changes including increase in the number of games from 36 played last year to 42.

Additionally, this year’s final will be played on a one-legged basis.

The new format

On the basis of the last edition’s performance, the best 8 provinces (Quarterfinalists) get a bye at the first round.

Last year’s Quarterfinalists include West Nile, Lango, Acholi, Tooro, Buganda, Kampala, Teso and Bugisu.

The 8 provinces that did not make it to the quarterfinals last year were randomly paired and will play at the first round.

The first round fixtures are as follows;

Bunyoro vs Sebei
Ankole vs Bukedi
Rwenzori vs Kigezi
Busoga vs Karamoja

The aforementioned fixtures will be played on a home and away basis. The winners on aggregate will proceed to the group stage.

Group phase

Unlike the previous editions, this year, the competition will have four groups each with three provinces.

Semifinalists from last year’s edition have been seeded and each were placed in a separate group. The four provinces include West Nile, Lango, Acholi and Tooro.

At the group stage, the games will be played on a home and away basis with each team guaranteed to play six games.

The best two teams from each group will progress to the quarterfinals. The games at this level will also be played on a home and away basis with the winners on aggregate advancing to the semifinals.

Groups

Group A
Teso
Winner between Ankole and Bukedi
Acholi

Group B
Lango
Kampala
Winner between Rwenzori or Kigezi

Group C
Winner between Busoga and Karamoja
West Nile
Bugisu

Group D
Winner between Bunyoro and Sebei
Tooro
Buganda

FUFA’s direct support to provinces

Accommodation, transport and meals to all the visiting teams.

Two sets of jerseys (Home and away) to all participating teams.

Live coverage of all the games on FUFA Tv.

Accommodation, transport, meals and allowances to all match officials.

Man of the match plaques and cash prize of USH 100,000 per game.

Training and match balls to every province.

Prize money of USH 100M.

The fixtures are expected to be release on 16th June and the games will kickoff on 24th the same month.

What the officials said

Rogers Byamukama- Chairperson FUFA Drum Organizing Committee

We are delighted to have this competition return and like you all know, this is a tournament that brings out passion, excitement and thrilling action. We promise to deliver a better championship this year and everyone should rally behind their respective provinces to be part of the great adventure.

Since its inception in 2018, the FUFA Drum continues to grow and with the arrival of MTN and Rockboom as partners, expect a great tournament.

Joel Galla – Brand manager club and premium, Nile Breweries

Nile Breweries is proud to associate with a tournament that covers the entire country. We are a brand that celebrates culture, identity and ancestry. This is this exact background and foundation of the FUFA Drum.

Jalia Ssebugwawo – Trade and Marketing Manager Harris International

The slogan of Rockboom one of our premium brands at Harris International is ‘Feel the positive energy.’ Therefore, we are here to revitalize this unique competition and we are excited to walk the journey together with FUFA in making this year’s edition exciting and thrilling.

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The FUFA Executive has approved the new playing format of the 2023 FUFA Drum competition.

The tournament played by 16 Provinces since its inception in 2018 will witness changes in the early stages of this year.

The official communication signed off by the FUFA Deputy CEO-Football Decolas Kiiza reads; “Whereas there had been desire to play the FUFA Drum in the original version with 61 matches being played, a new version will be introduced with 46 matches which is an improvement on the last edition where 30 matches were played”

The FUFA Drum resumed last year after two years of recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic that hit the globe and affected the organization of several competitions.

The approved version of the 2023 FUFA Drum is as follows,

a) On the basis of the last edition’s performance the best 8 province teams will get byes to the next round.

b) The last 8 Province teams are randomly paired to play home and away (8 matches).

c) The 4 winners on aggregate join the other 8 that received byes to make 12 province teams.

d) The 12 Province teams be seeded according to performance into 3 pots and draw of lots conducted to have 4 groups (A, B, C, D) of 3 teams each.

e) Teams in each group play each other home and away (24 matches).

f) The best 2 teams in each group progress to quarter finals (A1 v B2, B1 v A2, C1 v D2, D1 v C2) home and away (8 matches).

g) Winners progress to semifinals to be played home and away (4 matches).

h) Losers play for third place (1 match).

i) Winners play for first place (1 match).

The past winners of the FUFA Drum are; Buganda Province (2018), Acholi Province (2019), West Nile Province (2022/2023).

A delegation from Harris International have paid a courtesy call on FUFA and held a strategizing meeting with FUFA President amongst other officials of the federation on how to strengthen the newly created relationship on top of furthering the development and popularity of the FUFA Drum.

On arrival at the FUFA Complex in Mengo, the visiting delegation was received by Rogers Byamukama the Executive Committee member and Chairman of the Marketing and communications committee of FUFA in company of Deputy CEO (Services) Humphrey Mandu, Commercial Director Fred Kumakech and Events manager Leila Nankya.

The team from Harris International was led by their Managing Director Simon Harvey who was with his deputy Patrick Mugyenyi. Other members of the team included Mahmood Seblini who is the Senior Sales and Marketing Operations Manager, Julia T Ssebugwawo who is the Trade Marketing Manager, Ishta Atukunda who is the Public Relations Manager and Said Sultan, the Human Resource Manager.

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‘I want to commend you on certain things one of them being governance. Having worked in many countries across the African continent I have realized many football associations have a challenge with governance issues and yet here you are giving it a lot of focus.” Harris Internation MD, Simon Harvey.

‘I also want to commend your diversity plus inclusiveness. Football is called the beautiful game not because of the fancy and exciting European football but because it is played by the local boy or a father in the middle of the Ugandan area. FUFA’s target of extending football to all homesteads really matches with that.’ He added.

FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim on the other hand highlighted the beauty of the relationship that has been created between the two entities that points to great things.

‘With this new of injection of ‘Rock Boom’ – feel the positive energy, we needed this kind of energy into this competition. As FUFA we stand for giving value to our sponsors/partners to ensure that the different entities; FUFA, the game of football and in this case Harris international through Rock Boom get value. Each of these brands have goals that we are going to work together to ensure that they are achieved.’

Patrick Mugyenyi, Harris International Deputy Managing Director in his remarks expressed excitement for the two brands working together.
‘We are just excited to be able to partner with FUFA to bring life and a new experience in the most loved sport in the world. I think its been long overdue but now we are here to deal with you to create the most unique experiences.’

Harris International through their energy drink brand, ‘The Rock boom’ are the new energizing partner of the most popular and exciting football competition in the country, The FUFA Drum that is played annually amongst the 16 footballing Provinces of Uganda.

The visitors were presented with customized Uganda Cranes jerseys before being taken on a guided tour of the FUFA Complex which climaxed with visits to FUFA Media Services (FMS) units (television and radio studio) respectively.

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The FUFA Drum continues to grow by leaps and bounds since its inception in 2018. The tournament that runs under the theme ‘Celebrating Ancestry’ continues to attract attention.

On Tuesday, Hariss International Limited through their flagship brand Rock Boom came on board as partners of the annual tournament.

In a press conference held at the company premises in Kawempe, Kampala, the energy drink signed a one-year renewable partnership worth UGX 120M.

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FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim who attended the event indicated this is a great step in promoting football across the country.

‘Our vision is to become the number one footballing nation in Africa on and off the field and we can only achieve this by Promoting, developing and protecting the game. FUFA Drum is one of the avenues we use to promote football,’ he started.

‘As FUFA, we are glad to have Rock Boom on board as partners of the FUFA Drum. We believe this is a tournament that touches everyone regardless of tribe, race, gender or background. This partnership will help us to promote football across the country.’ The President added.

Rogers Byamukama, the FUFA Drum Committee Chairman indicated the tournament has grown and continues to attract corporate brands.

‘It is important to have a platform that brands like Rock Boom can embrace to ensure that we keep promoting football in this country. We believe Rock Boom will get value for money and we are equally happy to associate with them.’ Byamukama stated.

Mahmoud Seblini, the Senior Sales and Marketing Operations Manager, Hariss International indicated they have followed the tournament and hope to offer more energy with this sponsorship.

Our slogan as Rock Boom is (Feel the positive energy). We believe this partnership will help in pushing the FUFA Drum, a tournament that is full of excitement.” He indicated.

FUFA Drum started in 2018 and is competed amongst 16 provinces namely; Buganda, Kigezi, Tooro, Ankole, Busoga, Teso, Lango, Acholi, Bukedi, West Nile, Sebei, Karamoja, Kitara,Kampala, Bunyoro and Bugisu.

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West Nile Province is through to the final of this year’s FUFA Drum after overcoming reigning Champions Acholi.

The return leg fixture played at Pece Memorial Stadium, Gulu City on Saturday, ended in a one all draw to send West Nile to the final.

It should be noted that the reverse fixture in Arua ended in a 1-0 win for West Nile courtesy of Ezra Bida’s goal.

In Saturday’s clash, Acholi took an early lead (13th minute) through Norman Ogik.

However, the visitors levelled matters four minutes later with Fred Amaku tucking home the goal that eventually mattered most.

West Nile held on to score to win 2-1 on aggregate.

This is the second final that West Nile will be playing having reached the same level in the inaugural edition but lost to Buganda.

West Nile now await the winner between Tooro and Lango who will face off next week in the other semifinal. The first leg in Fort Portal ended in a 2-2 draw.

The FUFA Drum Semi final return leg returns this weekend with Acholi Province hosting West Nile in a highly anticipated and thrilling tie on Saturday 10th, December.

West Nile One leg in the finals

The visitors are 90 minutes away from reaching the finals following their 1-0 first-leg win at the Greenlight Stadium thanks to substitute Ezra Bida’s second-half strike.

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Familiar stage for both provinces

Both Acholi and West Nile are familiar with the semi-final stage having played here in the previous and maiden editions respectively and furthermore, both have played in the finals before.

What you need to know ahead of the return leg

The hosts Acholi Province are unbeaten at home in this edition from two games, defeating Bunyoro Province 1-0 (in round 16) and defeating Buganda 2-1 in the quarter-finals.

Their opponents Westnile are unbeaten and yet to concede a goal this term with 13 goals onto their card.

The visitors are most likely to miss out on the services of Bayo Fahad who flew out of the country weeks ago but in his absence, KCCA FC forward Muhammad Shaban could come in after shaking off an injury.

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A 1-0 win for Acholi will witness penalty marks deciding who to storm the finals while a draw will see Westnile proceed to the finals for the second time in history.

The FUFA Drum 2022

Semifinal One| First Leg

West Nile 1-0 Acholi

West Nile have an upper hand in the semi-final contest against Acholi after the former secured a 1-0 win at home on Sunday.

In the game played at Greenlight Stadium, Arua City, West Nile took advantage thanks to Ezra Bida’s second half strike.

Prior to the start to the game, the buzz around Arua City was in full gear with fans from either side showing support to their respective Provinces.

As early as 10am, Acholi fans had flocked the streets singing praise of their players and celebrating their ancestry which is the theme of the FUFA Drum tournament.

The game itself was closely contested and it took substitute Bida’s magic in the 52^nd minute to guide the White Rhinos to victory.

The two teams will face in the return leg on 10^th December at Pece War Memorial Stadium in Gulu City.

The winner on aggregate between West Nile and Acholi will face either Lango or Tooro who face off in the other semifinal. The two face off in the first leg this weekend in the first leg.

The FUFA Drum 2022

Semifinal Draws

• Tooro vs Lango
• West Nile vs Acholi

The draws for the semifinals of the 2022 FUFA Drum tournament were held on Wednesday Morning at FUFA Complex with the remaining four provinces learning their opponents at the penultimate stage.

The function was superintended over by FUFA Drum Organizing Committee Chairman, Rogers Byamukama and FUFA Competitions Director, Aisha Nalule.

In the draws held, Tooro Province has been pitted against Lango while defending Champions Acholi will face West Nile.

Byamukama lauded the Provinces for the journey moved so far, indicating the third edition has moved on smoothly since the start.

“I want to thank all the 16 Provinces that were part of this tournament from the start. As we get closer to the end, we believe this Championship has continued to grow in leaps and bounds. The return of the FUFA Drum after a two-year halt has been treated to great reception, there has been passion, excitement and I believe the remaining games will offer more.” Said Byamukama.

He also cautioned fans against stadium violence, stating FUFA will not hesitate to take action against those promoting the vice.

“We experienced some cases of violence after the game between Buganda and Acholi in Luweero but we want to caution fans against this vice. FUFA condemns such actions and we will take action against anyone who promotes violence.” He added.

The Road Map to the Final

The Semifinals will be played on a home and away basis with the winner on aggregate advancing to the final.

Tooro Province will host Lango on 20^th November in the first leg before the two teams face off in the return leg on 18^th December at Akii-Bua Stadium, Lira City.

The other semifinal fixture, 2018 finalists West Nile will host the first leg against reigning Champions Acholi on 13^th November with the return leg slated for 10^th December.

The final this time will be played on a home and away basis, just like it was the case in the inaugural edition of 2018. The dates for the final have been tentatively set on 7^th and 14^th January 2023.

What the representatives had to say

Tooro and West Nile Provinces had representatives at the draw function and they had this to say;

Fred Ade – FUFA Delegate and Vice Chairman West Nile

“We are prepared to face any team that comes our way. The fact that we are starting at home, I believe we can wrap up this contest against Acholi at home before travelling to Gulu.”

Hon. Tom Bright Amooti – Member of Parliament Kyaaka Central and Tooro Province Chairperson

“It is our first time to reach this level and we thankful for everyone that has been behind this great journey. We are now representing the whole Western Region and we call on our brothers from Rwenzori and Ankole to rally behind us. I believe we have what it takes to overcome Lango and progress to the final.”

The FUFA Drum 2022
Quarterfinal, return leg

Buganda 2-2 Acholi
Acholi advance 4-3 on aggregate

Kampala 0-2 West Nile
West Nile progress 6-0 on aggregate

Defending Champions Acholi made sure they kept their title defence hopes alive after securing a berth into the semifinals of this year’s edition.

Acholi and West Nile are the last teams to make the semifinal cut following the return legs in the quarterfinal games played on Sunday.

Acholi who had won 2-1 in Kitgum three weeks ago, earned a two-all draw against inaugural winners Buganda in the game played at Kasana-Luweero Playground.

Viane Ssekajugo scored a brace in the first half for Buganda but that was not enough to sail them through.

Dennis Ojara and a stoppage time equalizer from substitute Dominic Oyella guided Acholi to the semifinals.

In the other game played on Sunday, West Nile completed a double over Kampala, winning 2-0 in Bugolobi.

Ahmed Amayo and Ibrahim Dada scored a goal each in the second half.

It should be noted that West Nile had won 4-0 in the reverse fixture.

The semifinal quartet has Acholi, West Nile, Tooro and Lango.

The draws for the semifinals will be conducted on a date yet to be confirmed.

Tooro and Lango became the first two Provinces to progress to the semi finals of the 2022 FUFA Drum tournament.

Both provinces overturned their first leg away defeats to book places in the Semi finals of the third edition in front of their passionate and cheerful crowds.

At Kicwamba Technical Ground in Fort Portal, Tooro Province aware that they lost 2-1 in Soroti in the first leg, came in this encounter with an aim of scoring goals.

Boosted by the return of Rwanda-based forward Nicholas Kagaba and defender Benjamin Nyakoojo, they never disappointed on the evening winning 2-0.

Kagaba and Innocent Asiimwe netted the two important goals in the first half that gave Tooro the priceless Victory to progress to the quarter finals for the first time in history.

The visitors saw Soltilo Bright Stars FC player Noordin Bunjo make his debut but was greatly tracked down the the home side midfield despite numerous attempts to unlock the opponents defence.

Ben Ocen, Isaac Ogwang both came closer to scoring for Teso but the Tooro Province defense marshalled by skipper Timothy Musinguzi, Nyakoojo as well as goalie Simon Tamale was alert to deal with all the threats.

Tooro sailed through on 3-2 aggregate and Nyakoojo was named man of the match.

At the Akii Bua Stadium in Lira, Lango also overturned their 1-0 loss in the first leg to win 3-0 against Bugisu province.

The home side who had their supporters storm Akiibua stadium as early as 7am were boosted by the addition of KCCA FC duo Allan Okello and Rogers Mato who added flair, composure and goals to the team.

Okello (penalty), Mato and Denis Omedi scored the three goals to progress 3-1 on aggregate.

Wakiso Giants FC winger Moses Aliro was also superb, making two assists.

Two places remain to complete the semi final puzzle and will be played on Sunday 23rd with Kampala who lost 4-0 at West Nile in the first leg hosting them at Bugoloobi grounds.

While Buganda who lost 2-1 at Acholi will host the return leg in Luwero on the same day.