The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has announced November 20, 2026, as the official opening date for registration for the 53rd edition of the Uganda Cup, setting the preparations for the 2026/27 national knockout competition in motion.

In a communication to clubs and Regional Football Associations, FUFA outlined the participation requirements, registration fees and preliminary round arrangements for the upcoming competition.

Participation will be compulsory for all 18 Uganda Premier League (UPL) clubs and 13 FUFA Big League (FBL) sides, which will automatically qualify for the Round of 64.

All Third Division clubs will also be required to participate, while teams from the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Divisions, alongside non-league clubs, will compete in preliminary competitions organised by their respective FUFA Regional Football Associations.

The regional competitions will determine 33 qualifying teams to complete the Round of 64, bringing the total number of clubs at that stage to 64.

FUFA has distributed the 33 qualifying slots among the eight Regional Football Associations, with Kampala receiving the highest allocation of five places.

Buganda, Eastern, Western, North East, Kitara, West Nile and Northern regions have each been allocated four qualifying slots.

On registration fees, Uganda Premier League clubs will pay UGX 300,000, while FUFA Big League teams will be required to pay UGX 250,000.

Third Division clubs competing in the Regional Leagues will pay UGX 150,000, while Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Division clubs under District Football Associations (DFAs) will each pay UGX 100,000.

Non-league clubs wishing to participate in the competition will be charged UGX 300,000.

FUFA has also directed all Regional Football Associations to organise their preliminary competitions and submit proposed fixtures to the FUFA Competitions Department for guidance.

The registration exercise will open on November 20, 2026, with all regional associations required to submit their qualified teams to the FUFA Competitions Department by December 20, 2026.

FUFA has warned that regions that fail to submit their final lists of qualified clubs within the stipulated deadline risk losing their allocated slots, which may subsequently be reallocated.

Other dates for the competition will be communicated in accordance with the FUFA calendar for the 2026/27 season.

Meanwhile, the football governing body is yet to announce the host region, District Football Association and venue for the 53rd edition's final, with the details expected to be communicated in due course.

The Uganda Cup remains an important competition for clubs across the country's football divisions, offering lower-league and non-league sides an opportunity to compete against established teams from the top divisions.

The winner of the 2026/27 edition will earn sporting qualification to represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup, subject to meeting the applicable CAF eligibility and club licensing requirements.

FUFA has called upon all participating clubs and Regional Football Associations to take note of the registration requirements and ensure they meet the stipulated deadlines.