The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has set 20th November 2026 as the opening date for registration for the 53rd edition of the Uganda Cup, the 2026/27 national knockout competition.
All 18 Uganda Premier League clubs and 13 FUFA Big League clubs will automatically enter at the Round of 64 as participation is mandatory for them.
Third Division clubs are also required to participate while teams from Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Divisions plus non-league sides will contest preliminary rounds organised by Regional Football Associations.
These regional preliminaries will produce 33 qualifiers to complete the Round of 64 field.
FUFA has allocated the 33 qualifying slots across eight Regional Football Associations with Buganda receiving eight, Ankole four, Kitara four, Kigezi three, North East three, West Nile three, Kampala four and Eastern four.
Registration fees have been set according to club categories with UPL clubs paying Shs500,000, FBL clubs Shs300,000, Third Division Shs150,000, Fourth Division Shs100,000, Fifth Division Shs70,000 and Sixth Division plus non-league Shs50,000.
Regional Football Associations must submit qualified teams to FUFA Competitions Department by 20th December 2026.
Each Regional Football Association is responsible for organising its preliminary competition and submitting proposed fixtures for guidance.
Failure to meet the deadline will result in reallocation of the affected region's qualifying slots.
The winner will earn sporting qualification to represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup subject to CAF eligibility and club licensing requirements.
FUFA will communicate the host region, District Football Association and venue for the final in due course.
How regional slots are allocated for 2026/27 Uganda Cup
- Buganda: 8 slots
- Ankole: 4 slots
- Kitara: 4 slots
- Kigezi: 3 slots
- North East: 3 slots
- West Nile: 3 slots
- Kampala: 4 slots
- Eastern: 4 slots
Registration fees by club category
- Uganda Premier League: Shs500,000
- FUFA Big League: Shs300,000
- Third Division: Shs150,000
- Fourth Division: Shs100,000
- Fifth Division: Shs70,000
- Sixth Division and non-league: Shs50,000
Source: FUFA
