“Announcing Kadiba as the venue at the final stage of the competition when SC Villa has already qualified creates a perception of unfairness and undermines the principle of neutrality expected in a major cup final.”
Those were the words of Kitara FC chief executive Joshua Atugonza after FUFA confirmed FUFA Stadium, Kadiba as the venue for this year’s Uganda Cup final due on May 30.
The decision immediately sparked concern from the Hoima based club, who formally wrote to the federation requesting a change of venue, arguing that SC Villa stand to benefit from playing the final at a ground they have turned into a stronghold this season.
Kadiba has been Villa’s home venue throughout the campaign and the Jogoos are yet to lose there.
They have registered nine league victories and four draws at the stadium while also knocking out BUL FC, Maroons and URA FC from the Uganda Cup at the same venue.
In their letter to FUFA, Kitara acknowledged the federation’s authority to select the host venue but questioned whether the decision upheld fairness and sporting integrity.
“We acknowledge receipt of Circular No. FUFA/COMP/SUC/52/2026 regarding the organisation of the 52nd Uganda Cup Final between Kitara FC and SC Villa scheduled to take place at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba,” the statement read.
“Kitara FC respectfully writes to request FUFA to reconsider the designated venue for the final in the interest of fairness, neutrality and sporting integrity.”
Atugonza stressed that Villa’s familiarity with the pitch, surroundings and supporter access presents what he described as “an inherent sporting advantage” over Kitara.
The club further argued that if Kadiba had been named host before the competition reached its final stages, the concerns would have been less contentious.
“It would have been understandable if the final venue had been declared at the beginning of the competition before the participating finalists were known,” the letter added.
Related Post
Kitara, who eliminated defending champions Vipers on away goals in the semifinals, are preparing for their second Uganda Cup final in three years.
They lifted their maiden Plascon co-sponsored Uganda Cup title in 2024 after Solomon Okwalinga’s solitary strike secured a 1-0 victory over NEC FC at Muteesa II Stadium.
SC Villa, meanwhile, are back in the final for the first time since 2015 when they beat KCCA FC 3-0 to claim their ninth Uganda Cup crown.
Having eliminated URA FC 3-0 on aggregate in the semifinals, the Jogoos now have the chance to equal the competition record of ten titles currently shared by Express FC and KCCA FC.
