The third edition of the Hamz Cup Tournament was officially launched on Tuesday at Nakivubo, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive and meticulously organized tournament on Uganda’s domestic football calendar.
“The Hamz Cup is an initiative by Dr. Kiggundu Hamis aimed at giving back to the community.” — Ashraf Turyatunga, Stadium Manager, Hamz Stadium.
The championship will kick off on 6th June with a double-header, the opening fixture scheduled for 4:00 PM and the second encounter under the floodlights at 7:00 PM.
“We shall be using the Hamz Stadium Data System, and players currently active in the Uganda Premier League and Big League will not be eligible to participate in the Hamz Cup.” — Ashraf Turyatunga, Stadium Manager, Hamz Stadium.
All matches will be hosted at Hamz Stadium, reinforcing the venue’s growing reputation as a hub for elite community football competitions.
“All matches will be played at Hamz Stadium, with each team registering 30 players across 40 teams. The tournament kicks off on June 6, 2026, and will run for close to five months, with games scheduled for 4PM and 7PM.” — Ashraf Turyatunga, Stadium Manager, Hamz Stadium.
The launch ceremony was presided over by Hakim Kasirye, Assistant Manager of Hamz Stadium and Coordinator as well as Technical Head of the tournament, alongside Ashraf Turyatunga, the Stadium Manager and General Secretary of the competition.
“All matches will be played at Hamz Stadium, with each team registering 30 players across 40 teams. The tournament kicks off on June 6, 2026, and will run for close to five months, with games scheduled for 4PM and 7PM.” — Ashraf Turyatunga, Stadium Manager, Hamz Stadium.
This year’s edition builds on the financial growth of the tournament, following a steady increase in prize money from UGX 50 million in the inaugural edition to UGX 100 million in the second.
The 2026 edition will maintain a UGX 100 million prize pool, strategically distributed to reward both team performance and individual excellence.
The champions will walk away with UGX 30 million, while the runners-up will earn UGX 20 million.
The third- and fourth-placed teams will receive UGX 15 million and UGX 10 million respectively.
Teams finishing between fifth and eighth place will each secure UGX 5 million.
In addition, individual accolades have been introduced to incentivize standout performances and fan engagement.
The team with the largest fan base will receive UGX 1 million, while awards for Most Valuable Player, top scorer, best goalkeeper, and best coach each carry cash prizes of UGX. 500,000.
Media recognition has also been factored in, with two outstanding practitioners set to share UGX 1 million.
Tournament organizers have emphasized professionalism and integrity in player management.
A digital registration system will be deployed for player enrollment, with each team restricted to a squad of 30 players.
Strict eligibility criteria have been instituted, barring active players from the FUFA BIG League and the Uganda Premier League, while retired top-tier players will only qualify if they have been inactive for at least three years.
To ensure compliance, all players must present valid National Identity Cards and passport photographs before being licensed to participate.
More than 40 teams are expected to take part, with 40 already confirmed—matching the participation level recorded in the previous edition.
In a move aimed at enhancing accessibility and fan turnout, entry fees have been reduced by half, with spectators now required to pay UGX 5,000, down from UGX 10,000 in the previous edition.
Participating teams will also benefit from logistical support on match days, including provision of balls and drinking water, further underlining the organizers’ commitment to professional standards.
The tournament is scheduled to run through to early December, offering months of sustained competition and community engagement, as the Hamz Cup Tournament continues to solidify its place as one of Uganda’s most impactful grassroots football platforms.
