The 2025/26 Stanbic Uganda Cup officially kicks off this afternoon, Thursday 5th February 2026, with Northern Gateway SC hosting defending champions Vipers SC in one of the headline fixtures of the Round of 64.
The highly anticipated encounter will take place at the UTC Lira Playground in Lira City, with kick-off set for 3:00pm, the standard time for all Uganda Cup matches scheduled today. Northern Gateway SC, who compete in the Northern Regional League, welcome the 2024/25 double winners—champions of both the Startimes Uganda Premier League and the Stanbic Uganda Cup—in what promises to be a classic David-versus-Goliath showdown.
“We Are Ready for a Surprise” – Olwee
Ahead of the clash, Northern Gateway SC Chairperson Alfred Olwee Adoko struck a confident tone during a press briefing held on Saturday, 31st January, issuing a bold warning to the visitors.
Acknowledging the size and pedigree of Vipers SC, Olwee insisted his side is well-prepared and determined to defy expectations.
“It’s the biggest club we’re encountering so far, being the defending champions,” Olwee said. “We’ve played quite big clubs like Kitara FC, Mbarara City and BUL FC—even though BUL was a friendly. People are thinking it will be a whalopping, but this is football. We are really preparing for this particular encounter, and we’re ready for a surprise.”
In a bid to create a hostile atmosphere for the Venoms, Olwee rallied football fans across the Lango sub-region to turn up in large numbers, announcing subsidized gate charges of UGX 5,000.
A Gritty Road to the Round of 64
Northern Gateway SC’s journey to this stage has been hard-fought. In the preliminary rounds, the Lira-based side edged Bangala FC of Amolatar 2–1 at home before grinding out a narrow 1–0 away victory against Aruba FC in Alebtong.
Their final hurdle came in a tense Lira City Derby against Lira City Council FC at UTC Lira Playground. After a goalless draw in normal time, Northern Gateway kept their composure to win 5–4 on penalties, sealing a historic meeting with the reigning champions.
Also read: “This Is Football”: Olwee Fires Warning to Vipers Ahead of Cup Clash
Key Players to Watch
Olwee expressed strong belief in his squad, highlighting a balanced mix of experience and youthful talent capable of troubling Vipers SC.
Among the experienced names is Emmanuel Obete, who previously featured in the FUFA Big League for Northern Gateway SC and Kaaro Karungi FC, as well as team captain Allan Atala, a leader from the club’s Big League era.
Also expected to play key roles are left-footed winger Daniel Ojok, Lira University student Jackob Adoko, defender Erick Atono, and seasoned defender Emmanuel Odur, formerly of Light SS, Blacks Power, and Onduparaka.
Special praise was reserved for youngster Denis Okello, Northern Gateway’s top scorer with four goals this season, who rose to prominence during last year’s inaugural Dwog Pacu Cup.
“Denis is fearless,” Olwee noted. “I believe he will score on Thursday against Vipers SC.”
Fortress UTC Lira Playground
Northern Gateway SC will lean heavily on home advantage, with UTC Lira Playground proving a difficult hunting ground for visiting teams. Uganda Premier League sides Mbarara City FC and Kitara FC have both failed to register wins at the venue, while only BUL FC have managed a narrow 1–0 victory in a friendly match.
Full Stanbic Uganda Cup Fixtures – Thursday
A total of eight matches are on the card across the country today:
• Busia Young Stars vs Mbarara City – Busia Integrated Primary School Playground
• Northern Gateway SC vs Vipers SC – UTC Lira Playground
• St. George Masindi vs KCCA FC – Masindi Stadium
• Tapoh FC vs Buhimba United Saints – Kapir Primary School Playground
• Pakwach Young Stars vs Express FC – St. Mary Bar Omach
• Nsambya SC vs UPDF FC – St. Peter’s SS, Nsambya
• Agape United FC Kotido vs BUL FC – Kotido Playground
• Six O’clock FC vs Mbale Heroes – Kizinda Playground, Bushenyi
As the magic of the Stanbic Uganda Cup returns, all eyes will be on Lira to see whether Northern Gateway SC can pull off a famous upset against the reigning champions—or if Vipers SC will begin their title defense in commanding fashion.
