Stanbic Uganda Cup R64: Garuga Stars FC Return to Their Spiritual Home for Kataka FC Showdown

Garuga Stars Football Club will host Big League side Kataka FC in the Stanbic Uganda Cup 52nd Edition Round of 64 fixture at Cherish Grounds in Garuga.

Cherish Grounds has long been regarded as Garuga Stars’ spiritual home and former fortress before the club was relocated to the Nkumba Kataka Playground.

The Round of 64 encounter is scheduled for Tuesday, 10th February 2026, with kickoff at 3:00 PM.

Garuga Stars earned a first-round bye in the preliminary stages due to their strong performance in last season’s Uganda Cup. In Round Two, they eliminated Wobulenzi United FC via a penalty shootout after the match ended goalless in normal time.

In Round Three, the Stars faced a tough test against in-form Buganda Regional League side Sparks SC and edged through with a narrow 1–0 victory, thanks to a decisive goal from defender Alidi Musanyana.

The Wakiso District 2024 champions then met Buganda Regional giants Kira Utd FC in the final preliminary round at Nkumba Kataka Playground. The contest ended 1–1 after full time, with penalties once again deciding the outcome. Legendary goalkeeper Jackson Kigozi emerged as the hero, making crucial saves to propel Garuga Stars into the Round of 64.

At this stage of the competition, preliminary qualifiers are drawn against Uganda Premier League and Big League teams. The draw paired Garuga Stars with Big League outfit Kataka FC.

In the previous edition of the tournament, Garuga Stars were eliminated by Uganda Premier League side BUL FC following a narrow 1–0 defeat, while Kataka FC reached the semi-finals before bowing out to KCCA FC.

Currently, Garuga Stars sit 8th on the Buganda Province Fourth Division table, while Kataka FC occupy 5th place in the Big League standings.

As Garuga Stars return to the familiar surroundings of Cherish Grounds, the question remains: will their spiritual home once again inspire a memorable Uganda Cup run for Coach Tonny Arinaitwe’s side?