After weeks of action-packed football across the country, the Round of 32 of the 2025 edition of the FUFA Tv Cup came to a dramatic conclusion, with 15 schools confirming their places in the final phase to be held in Gulu.
Unlike previous edition where the Round of 16 was played on a home-and-away basis before the final eight (nicknamed The Giant Eight) gathered in Njeru, this year’s format brings a fresh twist. All 16 winners from the Round of 32 will travel to St. Joseph’s College Layibi in Gulu for a week-long grand finale scheduled for 1st to 7th September 2025.
This new structure will allow players, coaches, and fans to share the same footballing environment—creating lasting memories and new rivalries in the spirit of unity and sportsmanship.
The second leg action began on Friday, 1st August, with a tightly contested clash between Mengo Senior School and Namilyango College. Both legs ended goalless, but in the penalty shootout, Mengo’s goalkeeper stole the show—saving three penalties to send his team to Gulu with a 3-1 win in spot kicks. Mengo became the first school to secure a slot in the final 16.
Saturday brought fireworks, with five gripping matches played across the country.
- St. Mary’s College Kisubi, the inaugural FUFA Tv Cup champions, promised and delivered. They showed their experience with a 2-1 home win over St. Balikuddembe SS Mitala Maria, going through on a 3-2 aggregate after drawing the first leg.
- Kibuli SS once again proved their strength. With a commanding 3-0 win over Kololo SSS, they extended their clean-sheet run and are yet to concede a goal in this year’s tournament.
- Ngora High School booked their spot with flair, beating St. Peter’s College Tororo 3-1 in the return leg to progress 4-1 on aggregate.
- Kako SS pulled off a hard-fought 2-1 away win against Gombe SS, overturning the tie and qualifying with a 3-2 overall score.
- The biggest shock of the day came from Bushenyi. Last season’s finalists Nganwa High School were knocked out by a determined St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa side, who had already won the first leg 3-0. Nganwa lost 1-2, and home crowd wasn’t enough to save them.
Sunday was all about finishing strong and claiming the remaining slots. The pressure was high, and the players delivered.
- Muntuyera High School edged St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School 1-0 to complete a 3-1 aggregate win.
- Jinja SS comfortably saw off Mehta SS with a 2-0 home win, topping the tie 3-0 overall.
- Jinja College had to work harder, needing penalties after a 1-1 draw with Kiira College Butiki. They held their nerve to win the shootout 5-4 and qualify.
- Mbale SS beat Bukoyo SS 2-0, finishing the tie 3-1 on aggregate.
- St. Charles Lwanga College Koboko made a statement with a 3-1 away win over St. Joseph’s College Ombaci, adding to their first-leg win for a 4-1 aggregate.
- Duhaga SS showed consistency, sealing a 2-0 win against Sir Tito Winyi SSS and progressing with a 4-1 scoreline.
- Our final tournament hosts St. Joseph’s College Layibi made their fans proud by defeating city rivals Gulu High School 2-1, after the first leg ended 0-0.
- Nabumali High School edged Dr. Obote College Boroboro 1-0 to qualify with a 2-1 aggregate.
- Mpanga SSS showed strength over both legs, winning 2-0 against Nyakasura School and cruising into the next round.
However, not all teams reached the finish line fairly. In an unfortunate development, Aduku SS and Lango College were both disqualified from the tournament due to unsporting behavior. This leaves only 15 confirmed teams.
The Organising Committee will now decide what happens to the 16th spot—whether it will be filled by a lucky loser, a wildcard, or another team based on fair play and merit.
Here Are the 15 Teams That Have Qualified (So Far):
- Mengo Senior School
- St. Mary’s College Kisubi
- Kibuli Secondary School
- Ngora High School
- Kako Senior Secondary School
- St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa
- Muntuyera High School
- Jinja Senior Seconday School
- Jinja College
- Mbale Secondary School
- St. Charles Lwanga College Koboko
- Duhaga Secondary School
- St. Joseph’s College Layibi
- Nabumali High School
- Mpanga Senior Secondary School
Under the banner of “Excellence in Academics and Sports,” the FUFA TV Cup continues to be a platform for discipline, talent development, and national pride. Stay with us for all the action, stories, and highlights from the road to Gulu.
