“This decision has been taken in the interest of fair-play and to ensure a neutral match environment for both finalists.”
With those remarks, FUFA Competitions Director Shawn Mubiru confirmed the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru as the new venue for the 52nd Uganda Cup final between Kitara and Sports Club Villa.
The change follows Kitara’s protest after FUFA had earlier selected FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, for the final slated for Saturday, May 30.
Kitara argued that Kadiba would favour Villa, who have regularly used the ground for league and cup matches this season.
FUFA’s decision now shifts the country’s biggest knockout football final to Njeru in Buikwe District, with the match date remaining unchanged.
Kitara head into the final hoping to win a second Uganda Cup title in three years. The Hoima-based side won the 2023/24 edition after beating NEC 1-0 at Wankulukuku.
Sports Club Villa, meanwhile, are chasing a record 10th title and their first since 2015 when they defeated KCCA at Mandela National Stadium.
Villa booked their place in the final after beating URA 3-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals, while Kitara edged Vipers on the away goals rule after a 1-1 aggregate draw.
The winner will represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup.
First played in 1971, the Uganda Cup remains the country’s oldest knockout football competition, bringing together clubs from both league and non-league football across the country.
