Gulu City is set for football excitement as St Joseph’s College Layibi hosts the final round of the FUFA TV Cup 2025, famously branded “The Showdown 16.” From 1st to 9th September 2025, the battle for this year’s trophy will take center stage in Northern Uganda.
Sixteen of the best schools from across the country will converge at Layibi, each carrying the pride of their regions. These schools earned their places by qualifying through regional chapters, and now all eyes are on who will rise to the occasion and be crowned champions. It is notable that the defending champions Nabumali High School is amongst the 16 ready to defend their trophy.
Three pioneer schools including Mengo Senior School, Jinja College and the Inaugural winner St Mary’s College Kisubi will also be in Layibi.
The teams are expected to arrive in Gulu on Monday, 1st September, with the action kicking off the next day. The opening ceremony match promises fireworks as the hosts, St Joseph’s College Layibi, take on Kako SSS at 4pm.
The Tournament Format
The 16 schools were drawn into four groups of four. At the group stage, each team will face the others in a round-robin format. Only the top two schools from each group will progress to the knockout stages – quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately the grand final.
The Groups
- Group A: St. Joseph’s College Layibi, Kako SSS, Muntuyera High School, St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa
- Group B: Nabumali High School, Mpanga SSS, Duhaga SS, Jinja College
- Group C: St. Mary’s College Kisubi, Dr. Obote College Boroboro, Ngora High School, Mengo Senior School
- Group D: Jinja SSS, St. Charles Lwanga College Koboko, Mbale SS, Kibuli SS
Expectations and Talking Points
This year’s edition promises fierce competition. Traditional giants such as St. Mary’s College Kisubi and Kibuli SS will be looking to stamp their authority, while emerging forces like St. Charles Lwanga Koboko and Ngora High School arrive hungry to upset the order.
The hosts, St. Joseph’s College Layibi, carry the weight of home support and will be eager to make a strong statement in front of their fans. Northern Uganda is expected to come alive with vibrant crowds, school anthems, and youthful energy throughout the nine-day football action.
The spotlight will also be on individual brilliance, tactical battles, and the never-dying school spirit that makes the FUFA Tv Cup unique.
The big question remains: Which school will rise above the rest and take home the coveted trophy?
