This competition also served as the CECAFA qualifiers for the 2021 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations as the two finalists of the tournament represented CECAFA in the CAF U-17 continental competition.

The winners and the runners-up of each group advanced to the semi-finals.

In the knockout stages, if a match is level at the end of normal playing time, extra time is played (two periods of 15 minutes each) and followed, if necessary, by a penalty shoot-out to determine the winners.

Winners qualified for 2021 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

The two finalists of the tournament qualified for the 2021 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.