The FUFA Drum returns this weekend with Matchday Four fixtures spread across Saturday, 27th and Sunday, 28th December, as regional heavyweights renew rivalries and others chase redemption with the group stage gradually reaching its decisive phase.
In Group B, Ankole will be under pressure when they welcome inaugural champions Buganda to Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara. The hosts are looking to bounce back after a narrow 2-1 loss to defending champions Lango on Matchday Three, a result that slowed their momentum. Buganda, meanwhile, arrive with fond memories of their first-ever FUFA Drum triumph in 2018, when they edged West Nile 2-1 on aggregate. Their earlier Group B encounter with Ankole ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw in August, setting the stage for another potentially open and entertaining contest.
Attention on Saturday will also turn to Pece Stadium in Gulu, where Acholi host Bugisu in a Group A showdown. Buoyed by a 1-0 away victory in the first leg, Acholi will be targeting a rare double over Bugisu as they push to strengthen their standing in the group. Bugisu, on the other hand, will be keen to respond and keep their qualification hopes alive.
Sunday’s action shifts to Group C, where Kigezi entertain Busoga at Kabale Municipal Stadium. Kigezi come into the fixture with confidence after edging Bunyoro in a dramatic five-goal thriller last weekend. However, Busoga hold the psychological advantage, having beaten Kigezi 2-0 in their previous meeting, and will be chasing another victory to assert control of the group.
In Group D, Tooro will play hosts to Teso in what promises to be a tight affair. Their first-leg meeting ended goalless in August, but Teso arrive in buoyant mood after edging Kampala 1-0 last weekend, courtesy of Michael Siwu’s decisive strike. Tooro will be eager to make home advantage count as the race intensifies.
With the FUFA Drum group stage set to climax in January before the knockout rounds, every point now carries added significance. Beyond the results, the competition continues to celebrate Uganda’s regional diversity, uniting communities while offering a platform for emerging talent to shine.
