Regional giants Simba SC and Vipers SC are among the 12 clubs confirmed for the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup.
Rwanda will host the prestigious regional tournament from July 24 to August 8, with all matches taking place at Amahoro National Stadium and Kigali Pele Stadium in Kigali.
Record six-time winners Simba SC are making their return to the competition for the first time since 2018, when they finished as runners-up after a 2-1 final defeat to Azam FC.
Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC will be chasing their maiden CECAFA Kagame Cup title and are flying the Ugandan flag as the country’s sole representatives.
Uganda had no team at last year’s edition in Tanzania, which was won by Singida Black Stars.
Only four Ugandan clubs have ever lifted the trophy: SC Villa, KCCA, Police FC, and Express FC.
CECAFA Interim Executive Director Jean Sseninde expressed excitement about the quality of the lineup.
“We are excited that this tournament will give the 12 teams a platform to prepare well ahead of the CAF competitions kicking off in September 2026,” Sseninde said.
She added that the 12th and final participating team will be announced on July 6, 2026.
Rwanda will be represented by APR FC and Rayon Sports FC.
Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Burundi will not field teams this year.
Confirmed Teams for the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup:
- APR FC (Rwanda)
- Rayon Sports FC (Rwanda)
- Simba SC (Tanzania)
- Vipers SC (Uganda)
- Al Hilal SC (Sudan)
- Al Merrikh SC (Sudan)
- Gor Mahia FC (Kenya)
- Mogadishu City FC (Somalia)
- Jamus SC (South Sudan)
- FC Garde Républicaine (Djibouti)
- KVZ FC (Zanzibar)
(The 12th team will be revealed on July 6.)
