By Betty Nakayenga
The organizing Committee of the Ankole Cup 2026 would like to thank the general public, especially the people from Ankole region for the marvelous support they have given to the Ankole Cup.
“The Ankole cup is an inter-distruct tournament bringing the 13 districts of Ankole. We had the opening ceremony on Saturday 6th June 2026 in Bushenyi and we have now reached the knock out stage,known as the Quarter finals which will be played on a home and away basis, starting this Sunday” Osborne Musabe, chairperson of the local organzing committee remarked.
In the Quarter finals, Buhweju district will face off with Kiruhura, Mbarara City will tussle it out with Bushenyi, Ibanda will be against Rubirizi while Ntungamo will be facing Rwampara.
The semi finals will take place on 2nd August 2026 at Bushenyi Main Stadium with both semi final games taking place on the same day.
Mushabe thanked members of the parliament from Ankole region, the District chairperson and other leaders at other levels for the great support they have given to the Ankole Cup.
The organising committee, through their chairperson,further thanked their main sponsors and partners; Wandaz cosmetics company, Tayari West TV,Tangaaza solar and Nira. Their support has been helpful to us.
UVTAB was unveiled as the new Ankole Cup sponsor and it will be awarding the Ankole man of the match and facilitating referees, beginning this week.
UVTAB will also give out track suits to the teams that will make it to finals and will as well give press identification jackets to the sports journalists who have been promoting the Ankole Cup.
Hon. Amos Kakunda, the member of parliament of Rwampara showed excitement and vigor for the fourth coming knock out tournament and asked the Ntugamo tea to fasten their belts as Rwampara is more than prepared to knock them out.
He further urged that football is about having fun, making friendships winning and losing but of course winning being for Rwampara district.
“Ibanda has more support, vibe and talent. As Ibanda is playing Rubirizi, come witness all the vibe and talent it has carried to the stadium,” said Amos Agaba the member of parliament of Ibanda. He called upon fans and well-wishers to come all as football is about making friends promote talent and to see Ibanda take the trophy.
Hon. Mwijunkye Francis, the honorable member of parliament of Buhweju thanked NIRA for being so helpful on the introduction of National identifications and he called upon Clarions to register for your National IDS and this will help to streamline not only sports sector but also other services in this country.
Ankole Cup has so much improved ever since Live coverage was introduced. He thanked Tayari TV for that milestone.
He further clarified that as we head to the knockout stage, it is worthy to note that Away Goals Rule was removed and it implies that of teams are level on aggregate, the winner will be decided by penalty shoot outs and there will be no extra time.
“To our dear fans and the media fraternity, we are forever grateful and we will call upon all of you to continue supporting the Ankole Cup. For fans if your district has been eliminated, it is prudent that you support your neighbors for the good of the game. Together we can push the Ankole Cup” he remarked.
