Preparations for the 2026 Mugisha Christmas Cup are gathering momentum in Kisubi, with organisers positioning the mass football tournament as an important platform for identifying, nurturing and promoting young football talent.
The first preparatory meeting was held on Saturday, October 3, at Brothers Garden in Kisubi along Entebbe Road, bringing together members of the local organising committee, team representatives and members of the media.
The meeting was chaired by Dan Ntale, the chairperson of the local organising committee, as organisers discussed the tournament rules and regulations, proposed venues, participating teams and the prizes on offer.
The competition, organised by the Kisubi Ex-Internationals Association and exclusively sponsored by retired footballer Thaddeus Luzindana Mugisha, is scheduled to kick off on November 14, 2026.
Matches will be played every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, giving players an extended opportunity to compete regularly, gain experience and showcase their abilities in front of coaches, football stakeholders and supporters.
“I would like to first thank my committee members who are ready to serve the tournament, and also extend my thanks to the team managers who turned up in large numbers and the media persons,” Ntale said.
“We expect to kick off the 2026 Mugisha Christmas Cup on 14th November and we shall have the finals either on Boxing Day or 1st January 2027.”
The tournament is expected to attract a wide range of players, particularly young footballers looking for a competitive platform to develop their skills and gain exposure.
With 29 teams already confirmed, the competition is shaping up to be one of the biggest community football tournaments in the Kisubi and Entebbe area.
The tentative venues include St Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK), St Benedict and Kisubi Technical, with additional grounds expected to be announced later.
The organisers will also provide match balls for the games, while every participating team will receive a ball and certificates for each registered squad of 20 players and three officials.
Beyond competition, the tournament has been structured to recognise individual excellence. Awards will be presented to the Best Goalkeeper, Best Defender, Best Midfielder, Best Coach, Top Scorer, Best Referee, Young Player of the Tournament, Golden Boy and Goal of the Tournament.
The overall champions will take home a bull, while the runners-up will receive a goat, alongside trophies and medals.
Team registration has been set at UGX 200,000.
Confirmed teams
The teams confirmed so far are:
- SMACK Staff
- Kisubi United Ex-Internationals
- Kisubi United
- Mpala Elites
- Nkumba Kataka Sunday Special
- Jjanyi
- Kanywa Select
- Laliga
- Cherish
- Super Bullets
- New Life Sports Club
- Kitende Select
- Fimbo Soccer Academy
- Down-Town
- Church
- Network
- Arua Boys
- Garuga Stars
- Kakindu
- KEF Team
- Kiwulwe
- Kisubi Sunday Special
- Select Eleven
- Kasenyi Stars
- Tanda
- Eden
- Buddu Fans Forum
- Ziru Young
- Entebbe City Lads
With more teams potentially joining before the registration deadline, the Mugisha Christmas Cup is expected to provide a vibrant competitive environment during the festive season while giving emerging players a chance to develop, compete and attract attention.
For the organisers, the tournament is not only about winning trophies and prizes, but also about using community football to create pathways for young talents to grow and potentially progress to higher levels of the game.
