Kitara FC are the 2025/26 Uganda Cup winners after edging SC Villa 2-1 in a pulsating final played at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru on Saturday.
The Hoima-based side fought back from an early setback to claim their second Uganda Cup title in three seasons, thanks to an own goal from Missi Diego Ssemugera and a decisive strike from Jimmy Kalema.
SC Villa drew first blood after 12 minutes when Kitara failed to deal with a dangerous free-kick delivered by David Owori. In an attempt to block Simon Kato Ssemayange’s effort, Patrick Kaddu inadvertently turned the ball into his own net after it became trapped between his legs, handing Villa the lead.
However, the Jogoos’ advantage lasted barely a minute. Kitara responded immediately through a well-worked corner routine, with Gaddafi Wahab’s low delivery in the box skewed in by Missi Diego Ssemugera for the equaliser.
The decisive moment arrived just one minute into the second half. Geoffrey Lubangakene’s attempted clearance failed to travel far enough, allowing Jimmy Kalema to pounce and fire past goalkeeper Lukwago to put Kitara ahead.
Kitara held firm for the remainder of the contest to secure a memorable victory and add a second Uganda Cup crown to the one they won in 2024.
The triumph also earns Kitara the right to represent Uganda in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup.
For SC Villa, the defeat extends their wait for another Uganda Cup title. The record league champions last lifted the trophy in 2015, when they claimed their ninth Uganda Cup crown.
A collective effort
This triumph was a collective effort from everyone at Kitara — the administration, technical staff, players, and fans alike.
The administration played its part by successfully challenging FUFA’s decision to stage the final at Kadiba, the home ground of SC Villa.
When FUFA reversed the decision and moved the match to Njeru, the rest of the club rose to the occasion, overcoming adversity on their way to lifting the trophy.
Kitara’s journey to the final included victories over three Uganda Premier League sides — Entebbe UPPC, Express, and Vipers.
Their character was best demonstrated in the semi-final against Vipers. After holding the Venoms to a goalless draw in the first leg in Hoima, Kitara secured a 1-1 draw at Kitende to progress on the away-goals rule.
Kitara’s road to the Uganda Cup final:
Round of 64
- Obule Earthquake 0-1 Kitara
Round of 32
- Kitara 2-0 Entebbe UPPC
Round of 16
- Kitara 6-0 Bunyaruguru
Quarter-finals
- Kitara 3-0 Express
Semi-finals
- Kitara 0-0 Vipers
- Vipers 1-1 Kitara
Line-ups
Kitara – Meddie Kibirige, Jasper Aheebwa, Henry Musisi, Isa Lumu, Murushid Juuko, Yunus Sibira, Frank Zaga Tumwesigye, Gaddafi Wahab, Patrick Kaddu, George Ssenkaaba, Jimmy Kalema
SC Villa – David Lukwago, David Owori, Geoffrey Lubangakene, Barasa Mangoli, Simon Ssemayange, Diego Ssemugera, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Aslam Ssemakula, Najib Yiga, Hassan Mubiru, Frank Ssebuufu
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