By Ronald Lusulire
The fourth edition of the FUFA Drum was launched in mid-June 2023, with the draws for the competition also conducted.
The function was held at FUFA Complex in Mengo, and it was graced by FUFA Drum Organizing Committee Chairperson, Rogers Byamukama.
New edition format
The fourth edition comes with several changes including an increase in the number of games from 36 played last year to 42.
Additionally, this year’s final will be played on a one-legged basis.
On the basis of the last edition’s performance, the best eight provinces (quarterfinalists) get a bye in the first round.
Last year’s quarterfinalists included West Nile, Lango, Acholi, Tooro, Buganda, Kampala, Teso and Bugisu.
The eight provinces that did not make it to the quarterfinals last year were randomly paired and played in the first round.
First-round fixtures
The first-round fixtures saw Bunyoro province defeat Sebei 3-0 in the first leg at home before losing 1-0 away and eventually progressing 3-1 on aggregate to the group stages.
Ankole province in the other tie defeated Bukedi 0-2 away from home before drawing goalless in Bushenyi to progress on a 2-0 aggregate.
Kigezi province defeated Rwenzori 0-1 and 2-0 respectively to progress on a 3-0 aggregate, while Busoga beat Karamoja 4-1 and 1-3 respectively to progress on a 7-2 aggregate.
Group phase
Unlike the previous editions, this year, the competition will have four groups each with three provinces.
Semifinalists from last year’s edition were seeded and each was placed in a separate group.
The four provinces include West Nile, Lango, Acholi and Tooro Province.
At the group stage, the games will be played on a home and away basis with each team guaranteed to play six games.
The best two teams from each group will progress to the quarterfinals.
The games will also be played on a home and away basis with the winners on aggregate advancing to the semifinals.
