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David GOMBE
The 2026 Ankole Cup has officially been launched at Kati Kati Restaurant in Lugogo with over 13 districts set to battle it out.
The launch of the fifth edition was graced by Members of Parliament who included Mwine Mpaka, Francis Mwijuka, Peter Agaba and Mercy Kanyesiga among others.
The tournament’s Chairperson for Media and Mobilisation, Osborn Mushabe, thanked the sponsors and promised great tournament.
“I take this opportunity to thank the sponsors who have come on board to support the tournament. I promise that this year the tournament will be greater than the previous one and we expect a competitive event.” Said Mushabe
Wandaz Cosmetics are some of the sponsors who have come on board.
The 13 districts from Ankole who have already confirmed their participation in this year’s Ankole Cup have already been grouped into four groups.
Group A has Bushenyi district, Sheema district and Ntungamo district while Kazo district, Ibanda district and Kiruhura district are in group B.
Group C has Isingiro district, Rwampara district, Mbarara City and Kashari whereas Group D has Buhweju district, Rubirizi district and Mitooma district.
According to the organizers, a total of 43 matches are set to be played from the group stages, quarter-finals (two legs), semi-finals (two legs) and the grand finale.
The competition will kick off on June 6 at Bushenyi Main Stadium, with Bushenyi taking on Sheema in the opening match.
Before the opening game, there will be curtain-raiser matches with Members of Parliament facing the media while St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School and Nganwa High School will battle in the schools’ Derby.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa will be the chief guest at the opening day.
The climax will happen on Sunday, 16th August 2026 at the Kabwohe stadium.
Each team will have a 25-man squad but 20 of the players must be born within that exact district and five players who feature in superior leagues can be used.