Lira City is set for a blockbuster Uganda Cup encounter after Northern Gateway Soccer Club was drawn against Uganda Premier League table leaders and defending champions Vipers SC in the Round of 64 of the 52nd edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
The draw was conducted on Wednesday morning at the Protea Hotel in Kampala, bringing clarity to clubs representing the Northern Region Football Association as they learned their respective opponents in the prestigious knockout competition. Northern Gateway SC, a Lira-based side, will host the Venoms at the UTC Playground in Lira City, with the match date yet to be confirmed by FUFA Competitions Department, between 4th and 10th February 2026.
The fixture presents a daunting challenge for Northern Gateway, who will be facing one of the most dominant sides in Ugandan football. Vipers SC are not only the defending Stanbic Uganda Cup champions but also current leaders of the Uganda Premier League, making them firm favorites heading into the tie.
Interestingly, the last time Vipers SC faced a Lira-based club was during the round of 16 of the 51st Stanbic Uganda Cup. On that occasion, the Kitende-based giants comfortably dispatched FUFA Big League side Blacks Power with a 3–0 victory at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Mixed Fortunes Heading into the Tie
Northern Gateway SC will be looking to bounce back from a difficult recent outing, having suffered a 2–0 defeat to Dokolo-based Soccer Club Tawai in their last match. Vipers SC, on the other hand, come into the Uganda Cup clash in red-hot form after registering an emphatic 4–1 win over in-form Police FC, who currently sit second on the Uganda Premier League table.
The contrast in momentum underlines the magnitude of the task awaiting the Lira side, though the magic of the Uganda Cup has often delivered surprises, especially when top-flight sides travel upcountry.
Other Notable Round of 64 Fixtures for clubs representing the Northern Region Football Association
The draw also produced several intriguing matchups across the country:
• Red Devo will host Nebbi Central FC in Amolatar
• Blacks Power travel to Bundibugyo District to face Bumate FC
• Young Elephant Academy make the trip to Kasanda to take on Happy Boys FC Kagaba
• Patongo United welcome Uganda Premier League side URA FC in Agago District
• Pajule Lions will host Paidha Black Angels in Pader District
These fixtures highlight the nationwide spread of the competition, with lower-division sides eager to test themselves against more established opponents.
Recap of the 51st Edition
Vipers SC are the reigning Stanbic Uganda Cup champions after clinching the 51st edition title with a 2–0 victory over KCCA FC in the final played at the FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, in Rubaga Division, Kampala. Midfielder Abdul-Karim Watambala was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, while Yunus Sentamu and Livingstone Mulondo finished as joint top scorers with four goals each—both representing Vipers SC.
Nationwide Action Awaits
A total of 32 matches will be played across the country in the Round of 64 of the 52nd Stanbic Uganda Cup, promising excitement, drama, and the potential for giant-killings as Uganda’s top football competition continues to bring together teams from all levels of the game.
All eyes will be on Lira City as Northern Gateway SC prepare to host the champions, hoping to write a historic chapter in their Uganda Cup journey.
