The fourth edition of the FUFA Drum was officially launched on Tuesday at the FUFA Complex with the draws for the competition conducted.
The event was graced by several officials including the FUFA Drum Organizing Committee Chairperson, Rogers Byamukama, and representatives from Harris International Limited and Nile Special.
This year’s edition comes with several changes, including an increase in the number of games from 36 played last year to 42.
Additionally, the final will be played on a one-legged basis. The best eight provinces from last year’s quarterfinalists will get a bye at the first round, while the other eight were randomly paired and will compete in the first round.
The games at the first round will be played on a home and away basis, and the winners on aggregate will proceed to the group stage. Unlike the previous editions, this year’s competition will have four groups, each with three provinces. Semi-finalists from last year’s edition have been seeded, and each was placed in a separate group.
FUFA will provide direct support to provinces, which includes accommodation, transport and meals to all visiting teams, two sets of jerseys to all participating teams, live coverage of all games on FUFA Tv, and accommodation, transport, meals, and allowances to all match officials. Prize money of USH 100M will also be awarded.
The fixtures are expected to be released on June 16th, and the games will kick off on the 24th of the same month. The championship promises to be a great adventure, and everyone is encouraged to rally behind their respective provinces to make it a success.
Groupings.
Group A
Teso
Winner between Ankole and Bukedi
Acholi
Group B
Lango
Kampala
Winner between Rwenzori or Kigezi
Group C
Winner between Busoga and Karamoja
West Nile
Bugisu
Group D
Winner between Bunyoro and Sebei
Tooro
Buganda