Record Uganda Premier League champions SC Villa battled past BUL FC in a tense encounter to secure their place in the Round of 16 of the 52nd Stanbic Uganda Cup.
The Jogoos prevailed 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in normal time on Wednesday evening at FUFA Kadiba Stadium.
Villa made a blistering start to the match and went ahead just four minutes into the contest. Forward Reagan Mpande calmly converted from the penalty spot to give the visitors an early advantage.
BUL gradually grew into the game and found their breakthrough moments before the halftime whistle. Reagan Kalyowa unleashed a stunning long-range effort from a tight angle that flew past the goalkeeper to level matters heading into the break.
The hosts returned for the second half with renewed intensity and quickly turned the game around. Just two minutes after the restart, Richard Okello struck to give BUL a 2-1 lead and put his side in control of the contest.
However, SC Villa responded through substitute Patrick Jonah Kakande, who made an instant impact after coming on. Kakande found the equalizer in the 63rd minute, ensuring the tie remained finely poised and ultimately forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
2-2. Patrick Jonah Kakande.#StanbicUgandaCup | #SCVBUL pic.twitter.com/uyx51n2MxZ
— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) February 25, 2026
In the decisive spot-kicks, Villa goalkeeper David “Raya” Lukwago emerged as the hero of the night. The shot-stopper produced two crucial saves to guide the Jogoos to a 4-3 victory and seal their progression to the last 16.
SC Villa now join fellow top-flight sides URA FC and Express FC, who also secured qualification on the same day. URA endured a tense battle against Blacks Power FC, eventually advancing 6-5 on penalties after a goalless draw at Hamz Stadium.
Elsewhere in Kabale, Happy Boys Kagaba knocked out Kigezi Home Boyz FC 4-3 in a shootout following a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time. Onduparaka FC also needed penalties to progress, edging Football Classroom 5-4 after the teams failed to score in normal time.
Still Unbeaten at Home👏👏
Onto the Round of 16.
⚫️(2-2)🔴#SCVBUL || @FUFAUgandaCup #TheJogoos🔵 pic.twitter.com/EM9tBzj6x5
— SC Villa (@SCVillaJogoo) February 25, 2026
Meanwhile, Express FC secured a comfortable 2-0 away victory over Ntungasaze FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium Police Arena in Kamwokya. Mikidadi Ssenyonga and Henry Wamala found the back of the net to send the Red Eagles through.
Earlier results had already confirmed the progression of several heavyweights, including Vipers SC, KCCA FC and Kitara FC, all of whom have booked their spots in the Round of 16.
