2026 Uganda Cup | R32 | Friday February 27
- Police FC 1-2 Lugazi FC
Lugazi beat Police 2-1 again at Police Arena in Kamwokya on Friday evening, knocking them out and booking a place in the Plascon co-sponsored Uganda Cup Round of 16.
It felt familiar. The two sides had met at the same venue earlier this season in the Uganda Premier League, and Lugazi won 2-1. On a cold, rain soaked evening, history repeated itself.
Police came into the tie frustrated after a 1-1 league draw with Buhimba United. They hoped the Cup would offer relief, but Lugazi had other ideas.
Heavy afternoon rain left the pitch soggy and slowed the game. Both teams struggled for rhythm, and clear chances were few in the opening stages. Lugazi, however, looked sharper as the half wore on.
In the 35th minute, Umar Kyebatala tested goalkeeper Edward Kasibante with a powerful strike.
Five minutes later, Kasibante made a brilliant double save to deny the same forward from close range and keep the scores level at halftime.
Kyebatala finally broke through just after the hour mark. He latched onto Alvin Birungi’s precise pass and curled the ball home to give Lugazi the lead.
Three minutes later, Abdul Kalanzi rose highest to head in a deep cross from the right, punishing a disorganised Police defence and doubling the advantage.
Police were handed a lifeline in the 73rd minute when Joseph Otieno turned the ball into his own net. With 17 minutes left, hope returned to the home fans.
They had one last chance from a dangerous free kick, but Brian Obedi’s effort flew over the bar, sealing another painful 2-1 defeat to Lugazi.
In the other game, Tapo United FC edged Mutolere FC 1-0 to complete the line up, Six O’clock will host Kataka FC on Wednesday March 4.
The teams that have qualified to the Round of 16 include; KCCA (UPL), Kitara (UPL), Vipers (UPL), URA (UPL), Express (UPL), Red Devo (3rd Div), Onduparaka (FBL), Iganga Utd (FBL), Happy Boyz Kagaba (4th), SC Villa (UPL), NEC (UPL), Maroons (UPL), Bunyaruguru (FBL), Tapo Utd and Lugazi (UPL)
The winner of the Stanbic Uganda Cup will represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup.
