Bushenyi,Uganda – The 2026 Ankole Cup begins on Saturday, 6th June 2026, at Bushenyi Main Stadium with an opening match between Bushenyi District and Sheema District. The tournament features *13 districts* across four groups, with 43 matches culminating in the grand finale on Sunday, 16th August 2026, at Kabwohe Stadium.
*Participating Districts:* Bushenyi, Sheema, Ntungamo, Ibanda, Kazo, Kiruhura, Isingiro, Rwampara, Mbarara City, Kashari, Buhweju, Rubirizi, and Mitooma.
*Tournament Structure & Details*
*Groups:*
*Group A:* Bushenyi, Sheema, Ntungamo
*Group B:* Kazo, Ibanda, Kiruhura
*Group C:* Isingiro, Rwampara, Mbarara City, Kashari
*Group D:* Buhweju, Rubirizi, Mitooma
*Squad Regulations:* Each district squad of 25 players must include 20 indigenous players born within that district, plus five players from higher-tier leagues.
*Sponsorship:* The tournament received a Shs100 million boost from Wandaz Cosmetics Company.
*Opening Ceremony:* The opening ceremony features curtain-raiser matches between St Kaggwa and Nganwa High School at 1:00 p.m., and MPs vs Media at 3:00 p.m. before the main match at 4:00 p.m.
*Chief Organizer:* The tournament is organized by Osborn Mushabe, Public Relations Officer at the National Identification Registration Authority.
*Key Fixtures – June 2026*
– *Sat, 6th Jun:* Bushenyi District vs Sheema District – 4:00 p.m., Bushenyi Main Stadium
– *Sun, 7th Jun:* Ibanda District vs Kazo District – 4:00 p.m., St. Georges PTC Kagongo
– *Mon, 8th Jun:* Mbarara City vs Kashari – 4:00 p.m., Nyakayojo
– *Tue, 9th Jun:* Mitooma District vs Buhweju District – 4:00 p.m., Ruhinda SS PG
– *Fri, 12th Jun:* Rwampara District vs Isingiro District – 4:00 p.m., Kinoni Playground
– *Sat, 13th Jun:* Kazo District vs Kiruhura District – 4:00 p.m., Kazo Playground
– *Sun, 14th Jun:* Ntungamo District vs Bushenyi District – 4:00 p.m., Kyamate Stadium
– *Sun, 14th Jun:* Kashari vs Rwampara District – 4:00 p.m., Bwizibwera
– *Sun, 14th Jun:* Isingiro District vs Mbarara City – 4:00 p.m., Kaberebere
– *Sun, 14th Jun:* Buhweju District vs Rubirizi District – 4:00 p.m., Nsiika Playground
– *Fri, 19th Jun:* Isingiro District vs Kashari – 4:00 p.m., Kaberebere
– *Sat, 20th Jun:* Mbarara City vs Rwampara District – 4:00 p.m., Nyamityobora PG
*Big Names to Feature*
Isingiro District Woman MP Hon. Lillian Ruteraho is set to play for the MPs team against the Media fraternity on the opening day. Labour Minister Hon. Esther Anyakun is also confirmed to participate in the Ankole Cup 2026.
Vipers FC and Uganda Cranes defender Hillary Mukundane, who hails from Kyeizooba, will play for Bushenyi District FC. He has called for more fan support.
*Ankole vs Karamoja Clash Planned*
Organizers will select one district from the Ankole Cup to play against the best district from Karamoja in a home-and-away tie. The selected team will be the quarterfinalist with the biggest home fanbase. The trip will be fully covered, with buses arranged for fans traveling from Ankole to Karamoja via Masaka, Kampala, Jinja, Iganga, Mbale, and Soroti. Organizers say the trip is for fun and to give back to fans, with significant prize money to be won.
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