Vipers SC drawn in Group A as CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026 draw held in Kigali

Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC have been placed in Group A of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, alongside hosts APR FC, Kenyan giants Gor Mahia, and Djibouti's Garde Républicaine.

The draw for the regional tournament was conducted on Friday at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda, ahead of the competition scheduled to run from July 24 to August 7.

Vipers are Uganda's sole representatives and will use the tournament as preparation for the CAF Champions League preliminary round, as well as the defence of their Uganda Premier League title.

Former Rwanda international Haruna Niyonzima assisted during the draw ceremony.

Defending champions Singida Black Stars were drawn in Group B alongside Simba SC of Tanzania, Jamus SC of South Sudan, and Mogadishu City Club of Somalia.

Group C comprises Sudan's Al Hilal, Rwanda's Rayon Sports, Kenya's Tusker FC, and KVZ of Zanzibar.

Only the three group winners and the best second-placed team will advance to the semi-finals.

The tournament also presents an opportunity for new head coach Denis Lavagne to assess his strengthened squad ahead of a busy season.

Vipers have already signed Uganda Cranes midfielder Joel Sserunjogi, defenders Jacques Mangoba and Nicholas Mwere, and Gabon international goalkeeper Loyce Marius Mbaba, as the club continues to rebuild its squad.

Meanwhile, the club has confirmed the departure of experienced right-back Nicholas Wadada. He becomes the sixth player to leave the Kitende-based side, following Grant Matsiko, Taddeo Lwanga, Bashir Ssekagya, Alfred Mudekereza, and Livingstone Mulondo.

Wadada rejoined Vipers in 2024 on a two-year contract, which has now expired. During his career, the defender has also played for Azam FC, Ihefu FC, and Singida Black Stars in Tanzania.

2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup groups

Group A

APR FC (Rwanda)

Vipers SC (Uganda)

Gor Mahia (Kenya)

Garde Républicaine (Djibouti)

Group B

Simba SC (Tanzania)

Singida Black Stars (Tanzania)

Jamus SC (South Sudan)

Mogadishu City Club (Somalia)

Group C

Al Hilal (Sudan)

Rayon Sports (Rwanda)

Tusker FC (Kenya)

KVZ (Zanzibar)