Benon Tahomera has signed a one year contract extension with BUL FC. His previous deal had expired at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
The defender made twelve appearances in all competitions last season.
Tahomera said: “Two years ago, I signed for this amazing club, and I am thrilled to be extending my stay. I have grown immensely since coming to BUL, both as a person and as a player; I now know what is needed to play at a club like this.”
“We had some success last season, but we want much more. There’s a great opportunity to create something special here, and I’m going to give everything to be part of that.”
BUL FC are delighted to announce Ibrahim Mugulusi has signed a new two year contract with the club.
The 27-year-old nimble footed attacking midfielder committed his future to the Eastern Giants by penning the new deal on Friday morning following the expiry of his previous contract at the beginning of June.
He said: “Obviously I am very happy, so excited to keep playing for this team and hopefully I can stay at this fantastic club for many more years. I am actually very proud to sign a new contract with this club I call home.”
“It feels amazing. It’s something I have been dreaming of since the end of last season and something that I have been working hard for as well because this is where I feel I belong.”
Mugulusi arrived at BUL from Busoga United in August 2020 and was among the key pillars as the club won the Uganda Cup in 2021. His mastery in the middle of the park also helped the Eastern Giants to fourth and second place league spots finish in the 2020/21 and 2023/24 seasons respectively.
In total, Mugulusi played twenty (20) games last season– five of which came in the Uganda Cup. He had one goal in that knock-out competition, while he finished the Uganda premier league with two goals and five assists.
It ended all square in Mbarara City. This goalless draw leaves BUL FC in the second place on the table with 53 points, same as Vipers SC in third place but a point behind leaders SC Villa, with just one match left to end the season.
This means the Eastern Giants must win their last game against Busoga United on Saturday at FUFA technical centre in Njeru and pray that SC Villa fails to get maximum points against NEC if they are to win the title.
BUL’s best chance at Kakyeka stadium came in the first half but Ibrahim Orit flashed his header wide from close range in the 17th minute.
As the game progressed, Mbarara City missed three chances which may have changed the story. Henry Kitegenyi saw his effort wheel across the goal without any yellow shirt connecting, and then goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa fumbled with Henry Musisi’s free kick before Sadick Ssekyembe’s shot was deflected into the corner in the 19th minute.
BUL kept the defense line tight however in that even when Francis Odongo pounced in a strong header from inside the box, Walter Ochora was in the right place to clear the lines on the stroke of halftime.
The second half saw few chances and the teams settled for a point each.
BUL FC XI:
Joel Mutakubwa (GK), George Kasonko, Ronald Otti, Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Ibrahim Orit (Ibrahim Mugulusi 75’), Gerald Ogweti, Jeromy Kirya (Amos Kirya 64’), Pascal Ngobi (Alex Kitata 72’), Hillary Onek, Martin Aprem (Richard Okello 64’).
Unused substitutes:
Emmanuel Obua, Ibrahim Kazindula, Joel Madondo, Mathew Odongo, Tom Ikara (GK), Reagan Kalyowa, Shafik Kwikiriza, Benon Tahomera.
BUL FC have returned to the summit of the Uganda premier league after completing a double over Vipers SC with a 1-0 victory on Wednesday.
Goal scorer Jeromy Kirya
With three matches left to call the season over, the Eastern Giants now count 49 points, one better of Kitara in second after 26 rounds but the result has given them a three point difference from the third placed Venoms who have a game in hand.
Abbey Kikomeko’s men went into the match knowing that they needed all the three points in order to keep their push for the title alive having lost their last league fixture.
Pascal Ngobi in action
Vipers were the first to come close as early as the fifth minute, goalkeeper Tom Ikara fumbled with Allan Okello’s shot, Fumador Asiwome then hit the cross bar from close range.
Before the quarter hour mark, the contest became abit cagey, with little in terms of chances for either sides.
The Eastern Giants however raised the tempo of the game and pressed for the lead as Alex Kitara almost added to his tally in the 21st minute.
The forward looped a header following Nicholas Mwere’s fabulous over the top delivery but the number 26 was denied by Alfred Mudekereze with a strong one hand save.
BUL nevertheless remained on the front foot and eventually found the breakthrough in the 26th minute via Jerome Kirya.
Kitata broke free on the left channel and scooped into the box with his right foot, placing the ball behind the defensive line which Kirya swept home past Mudekereze to throw the packed Namboole stadium into a frenzy.
As the referee blew his whistle for half time, the Eastern Giants ended the half ahead as the score remained 1-0 thanks to Kirya’s sweet goal.
Both sides began the second half brightly, causing problems to each other but BUL remained tight at the back to deny the visitors any chance of a comeback.
BUL made the first change of the afternoon when Martin Aprem was brought on to replace Reagan Kalyowa as the Eastern Giants continued to fly high at home away from home.
Gerald Ogweti replaced Alex Kitata in the 72 minute before another double substitution saw Emmanuel Obua and Lawrence Tezikya replaced Jerome Kirya and Ibrahim Orit with one minute left to play.
Fulltime whistle went as BUL were back to winning ways with a 1-0 win over Vipers SC.
The second leg of the Uganda Cup semi final is next for BUL FC on Saturday.
BUL FC staring line up against Vipers
BUL FC XI:
Tom Ikara, Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Ronald Otti, George Kasonko, Pascal Ngobi, Jeromy Kirya (
Emmanuel Obua 89′) Reagan Kalyowa (Martin Aprem 60′), Ibrahim Orit (Lawrence Tezikya 89′)Alex Kitata(Gerald Ogweti 72′)
Unused substitutes:
Joel Mutakubwa, Joel Madondo, Ibrahim Kazindula, Amos Kirya, Ibrahim Mugulusi, , Mathew Odongo Tayo, John Okurut, Benon Tahomera.
Lawrence Tezikya celebrating after scoring against Vipers.
BUL FC will become the first club to host from Namboole stadium in four years as they will host its home fixture against Vipers at the newly redeveloped stadium on Wednesday.
The clash is among the test series of matches to be held at the facility before it is passed by CAF to host international matches.
Abbey Kikomeko’s men will be looking to return to winning ways and possibly return to the top of the table after going two games without victory.
Alex Kitata in action
The Eastern Giants lost 1-0 to NEC in their last Uganda premier league outing before the sides drew 1-1 in the semifinals of the Uganda Cup.
Wednesday’s clash is a battle between the 3rd and the 2nd, and the winner will automatically march to the summit of the log as both sides have 46 points, only two behind current leaders Kitara.
Matches between the two sides have quite often produced fireworks, and more of the same is expected on Wednesday. BUL FC was fabulous in the reverse fixture, winning 3-2 at St. Mary’s stadium with the Venom’s long standing home record coming to a halt in the process.
BUL FC players celebrating
This will be the 28th league meeting between the two teams.
Team News
Douglas Muganga is still out nursing an injury.
“We are playing one of our last four games this season. We defeated Vipers 3-2 in the first leg but they may come with full force tomorrow,” Coach James Magala said.
“We have also prepared very well. We have already felt the pitch and the players are in good conditions. We have prepared the boys very well and they are ready in every aspect.”
“We have crafted the right plan for this match and we are waiting for the game to kick off.”
“We are ready as players. The coaches have done their part; we have trained at Namboole pitch for two days now.”
“The game is expected to be tough as we all need the three points to enhance our chances of winning the trophy.”
“Even if we are at a neutral ground, we can beat them.” says forward Alex Kitata
Head-to-head
P27 W5 D7 L15
The teams have faced off on 27 occasions in all competitions since 2011, producing five wins for BUL, fifteen for Vipers and seven draws.
Last four encounters
December 17, 2023
Vipers SC 2-1 BUL FC
May 23, 2023
BUL FC 1-1 Vipers SC
August 12, 2023
BUL FC 1-0 Vipers SC (Super 8 quarter finals)
December 22, 2023
Vipers SC 2-3 BUL FC
Match Facts
BUL FC has picked eight wins, two draws and losses apiece in 12 home fixtures to collect 26 points from a possible 36.
As a result, the Eastern Giants have scored 17 goals and conceded six only across the games.
It is three wins, two draws and one loss for BUL in their last six outings.
And the team is also unbeaten in their last four home games – winning three and drawing one in all competitions.
The Eastern Giants have now won three games and drawn one of their last five meetings with the venoms across all competitions.
This fixture has produced a total of 65 goals and BUL have 23 to their name since 2011.
Only six stalemates have come in the games involving the sides, and four were goalless.
Vipers have won five games, drawn three and lost one in ten (10) away games to pick 18 points from a possible 30.
The Venoms have also won only one game in their last four outings in all competitions.
Match Coverage
This mouthwatering clash is live on television and all our social media channels will relay minute to minute text commentary concurrently.
BUL FC to battle NEC at FUFA technical centre on Sunday afternoon for a place in the final of this year’s Stanbic Uganda Cup. It is the second meeting between the two teams in a space of five days but their third faceoff this season in all competitions.
The sides met in midweek where the Diehards won 1-0 at MTN Omondi Stadium in Kampala to halt BUL’s four game unbeaten run.
The result complicated BUL’s title charge as it pushed the Eastern Giants further down into the third position on the table. Abbey Kikomeko’s men will therefore seek a first leg advantage over the visitors and ultimately shoot for a place in the final.
Despite BUL’s second round performance in the league being a bit of a roll coaster, their showings in Uganda Cup have been arguably impressive to say the least. The Eastern Giants have already knocked out record winners Express and KCCA, while they also shown Kyambura Rasters and Simba FC the exit in the early stages of the competitions.
Winners of the 2021/22 edition, BUL will be making their fourth appearance at this stage but it is going to be just the seventh game for NEC in this competition.
But Hussein Mbalangu and his boys can sometimes be tricky and have already shown a big muscle in Uganda cup this campaign having won all their games in the 90 minutes and with just two goals conceded.
L-R: Hajji Swaibu Kitezaala, Mrs. Barbra Nyaruguru and Mr. Ronald Barente after signing the memorandum of understanding
BUL Football Club and Jinja City Queens have entered into a partnership for a period of two years with immediate effect from 25th April 2024.
The relationship will have BUL take on Jinja City Queens as its official women football team, with the latter retaining its brand identity but will have Fortune Butto, the main sponsor of BUL FC and the Eastern Giants’ logo embroidered infront of their shirts and sleeves respectively.
Going forward, the Eastern Giants will provide the Queens with financial support, training equipments, boots, and team jerseys.
The partnership will also see BUL provide technical expertise and knowledge exchange to Jinja City Queens’ technical team throughout the agreement.
BUL FC chairman – Ronald Barente, Chief executive officer – Joseph Mutaka, director of Jinja Progressive Academy (JIPRA) – Hajji Swaibu Kitezaala, Jinja Queens chairperson Barbra Nyaruguru and their chief executive officer sealed the deal at the BUL FC premises in Masese, Jinja City on Thursday.
While addressing the pressmen after the deal was signed, BUL FC chairman Ronald Barente revealed the reasons for choosing Jinja City Queens.
“We didn’t want to work with people who have already done it or have been there already. We always want to work with babies, raise them and nurture them into the people we want them to be in the future,” he said.
“Jinja City Queens is a very good project for us to work with. Even if they are in the region, the effort we are going to put in will make them produce waves in the country. Trust me on that.”
“We are going to provide finances; I may not disclose the amount but we are going to finance the team and also support in terms of coaching and media. We want to make Jinja City Queens a very big team in Ugandan football.”
“We have the capacity as BUL to start a women’s team and call it BUL FC Women but we chose to work with this team because it has a community set up, it appeals to the Jinja community and that is what we want. Having these players, as young as they are, playing and representing us as a company and as BUL FC, it is an honor for us.”
“And we believe through our corporate social responsibility, this is the right path that we had to take to support a team that is lower in rank because we have got suitors in Kampala, really big teams in the Women Super League. They came but we turned them down and went for the regional team because we want to associate with the people and the girl child in Jinja.”
“We have had discussions with the management of Jinja City Queens for a very long time and we discovered that these are the guys we should work with going forward because we now believe they have got the potential.”
“Another reason is that we are in love with Jinja Progressive Academy (JIPRA) as a school and we want to make this marriage official because frankly speaking, they have supported us.”
“If you look at our junior side, the squad that has been winning titles, it’s JIPRA that has been behind the team. Most of our children go to school at JIPRA and play their school football from there. Therefore, we thought it was time to thank JIPRA Management for the support they have given to our junior team by taking over responsibility for their women’s team.”
BUL FC chairman during the presser
Laying down CAF requirements in time just in case BUL qualifies for CAF competitions?
Mr. Ronald Barente explained that the partnership is premised on nothing but fortifying BUL’s relationship with JIPRA and the people of Jinja.
“We are not doing this because we may win something this season and go to CAF competitions. We started this journey long way back even before we knew that we may win something as a club.”
“The requirement of a women’s team just came recently and it is very easy for us to fulfill. We can just get one established team in Kampala, give them something like 20 million and front it as ours, and we go to CAF but we want to work with the guys at JIPRA and those with in the Jinja community.”
About the partnership, the director of JIPRA Hajji Swaibu Kitezaala said:
“We thank BUL for the support in terms of finance, training equipments, balls, playing boots and Jerseys, not only to Jinja City Queens, but also to the school boys’ team.”
“Football is quite expensive, costly and challenging but if we can get partners to work with, then it becomes easier and this will help a lot in promoting talent not only in the region where BUL is operating but the entire nation and even the whole world. We thank you so much.”
“We now look forward to working together with BUL FC, and for now, I want to congratulate the City Queens for working tirelessly to win this partnership. It is very important and I hope it is going to promote girls football in this region.”
Hajji Kitezaala
Mrs Barbra Nyaruguru, the chairperson of Jinja City Queens said:
“I want to thank the brains behind Jinja City Queens. I want to thank the girls because without them, we cannot have Jinja City Queens. You have played well but there is a lot to do. You should know that this is a serious project. I think now you are going to triple your efforts because BUL FC as a brand is very big. So, you have to meet the standards of BUL FC.”
“Thank you so much BUL FC for choosing us among the many, I must say we are very lucky to be chosen by BUL FC.We want to pledge and promise that we are going to work hard to make you proud.”
Chairperson of Jinja City Queens Mrs Nyaruguru appending her signature on the MOU
Jinja City Queens is owned by Jinja Progressive Academy (JIPRA) and currently plying trade in the Eastern regional league for women. The club is fourth on the table with 21 points.
Everyone at BUL FC welcomes Jinja City Queens aboard.
Pictorial:
Some of the Queens present
Even sports journalists were happy to witness the deal getting sealed
BUL FC have dropped to the third place following a 1-0 defeat at NEC FC on Wednesday night. Kelvin Barni Tah scored the solitary goal at the MTN Omondi Stadium for the hosts in the 54th minute to condemn BUL to their fifth loss of the season. Coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere was also sent off in the process.
The day began with the Eastern Giants second on the log but a victory for Kitara meant the Royals moved to the top spot and their ascendancy pushed BUL further down by a place. After 25 rounds, Abbey Kikomeko’s side apparently has 46 points, same as Vipers SC who still have a game in hand.
With the game locked at 0-0, Ibrahim Orit went close to putting BUL infront midway the first half but goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan stood tall to deny the forward.
Barni Tah then broke the deadlock nine minutes into second half to give NEC the lead.
BUL pushed for a leveler and created a couple of chances but couldn’t score to restore parity.
The two teams will again meet over the weekend for a Uganda Cup semifinal duel at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
Starting XI:
Tom Ikara (GK), Walter Ochora, Nicholas Mwere, Benon Tahomera (Joel Madondo 82’), Ronald Otti, George Kasonko (Martin Aprem 86’), Pascal Ngobi, Jerome Kirya, Reagan Kalyowa (Amos Kirya 82’), Alex Kitata, Ibrahim Orit.
Unused substitutes:
Joel Mutakubwa, Ibrahim Kazindula, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Emmanuel Obua, Lawrence Tezikya, John Okurut, Gerald Ogweti, Mathew Odong Tayo.
Wednesday 24th April 2024
Uganda Premier League
MTN Omondi Stadium
NEC FC Vs BUL FC
Kick-off: 7pm
BUL FC are back on the road this Wednesday, travelling to Kampala to face NEC FC at Lugogo in a 7pm kick-off.
The match is one of BUL’s final three away matches of the season and the Eastern Giants will be looking to extend the fantastic run of four games unbeaten, after Saturday’s nice show at Express.
The 2-0 victory over the Red Eagles the last time out meant that Abbey Kikomeko’s men reclaimed the top spot with 46 points, one better of Vipers SC in second place, and now they know a win on Wednesday would see them widen the gap and move them closure to the UPL dream.
NEC comes into the match on the back of a 2-0 defeat at URA and they sit in the fifth position with 40 points, so they will be pushing the Eastern Giants all the way for the three points.
The reverse fixture ended 1-1 at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, this clash will be the second between the sides. Team News
Douglas Muganga is still sidelined with an injury but the rest of the squad is available for selection.
In his pre match interview, coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere said the focus is on fortifying the top spot with a big point difference. However, he acknowledged the challenge NEC poses but he is set not take any prisoners going forward. “It was not easy playing NEC during the first leg in Njeru. They really disturbed us, but now that we are on top of the table, we are not going to spare any team,”he said. “And as we enter into the match against them tomorrow, we are going to do whatever is needed to get all the maximum points.” “They are however a very good team with experienced players and equally in the title race.” “But this is a very crucial game to us. We need to win and create a big gap, not of one, two, three or four points but a gap of about six to seven points.”
Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa said; “The team is ready and the boys are in high spirit. NEC gave us a tough challenge in the first round but we are ready for them.” “This game is very vital and everyone knows there is no room for errors, but we want to take each game at a time and collect maximum points.”
Head to Head
P1 D1 L0
The sides have met once before and the game ended in a 1-1 draw Previous encounter December 10, 2023
BUL FC 1-1 NEC FC Match Facts
BUL is the best side on the road in the division having won five away games, drawn five and lost two – garnering 20 points from a possible 36. The Eastern Giants have also scored 14 goals and conceded 10 in their 12 away games.
But they have not won in their previous five away league matches – drawn four and lost one.
In those four outings, they have kept three clean sheets, scored and conceded one goal apiece.
NEC have won seven games at home, drawn two and lost three – picking 23 points from a possible 36. They have thus scored 19 goals and conceded 14 in 12 league outings at Lugogo.
The hosts have lost only one game in their past six UPL clashes at home, with the defeat coming at KCCA FC at the end of February.
Their twelve games have also produced six clean sheets.
They have failed to score in only three games at home – against Gaddafi FC, KCCA FC and Bright Stars.
Their tie against Bright Stars in December last year is the only game that has so far failed to produce a goal at Lugogo.
Match Coverage:
Although the game will not be televised, our social media channels will relay minute to minute text commentary during play time. A match report and highlights will follow shortly.
Twitter: @bulfc1
Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja
Instagram: bulfc
You Tube: BUL FC TV
BUL moved back to the top of the Uganda premier league after beating Express 2-0 to extend their unbeaten run to four games. Abbey Kikomeko’s men are now on 46 points, one ahead of Vipers SC in second.
It was a brilliant evening for Ibrahim Orit as he opened his account at BUL with a brace on Saturday, scoring in either half of the game at FUFA Technical Centre to secure all the three points for the Eastern Giants who made back-to-back home wins in the league.
The writing was on the wall that the visitors would be in for a long tormenting evening as the Eastern Giants made the territorial advantage count from the off with a flood of chances.
First, Nicholas Mwere started a move when he danced through on the left, Alex Kitata then continued his run into the box to finish the left back’s low delivery a cross goal but his contact on the ball was not enough to find the target.
Ibrahim Mugulusi then had a go himself, chesting down near the area, and dispatching a half volley off his preferred left boot before Reagan Kalyowa created arguably one of the best opportunities of the first half. He strode out of midfield and shrugged off pressure from Dauson Mafumu and Isa Lumu, the nimble footed youngster arrived in the box, creating a one-on-one situation, however Abubaker Yunus was quick off his line and was able to close down and deny BUL’s winger.
BUL remained on the front foot though, and a few moments later, the Eastern Giants found a break through via Ibrahim Orit. Ibrahim Mugulusi threaded back to Nicholas Mwere who whipped in to pick Orit in the box, with the goal in his back, Orit spun around Mafumu before hitting the ball with his right foot and past Abubaker to give BUL a halftime lead on 17 minutes.
In a sign of intent after the break, Kalyowa twisted and turned away from the defenders on the left and linked up with Mwere who charged down the line but the Red Eagles recovered just in time to block the cross and the resulting corner came to nothing,
Soon afterwards, Jerome Kirya also called the visiting goalkeeper into action with a thunderous shot from distance.
It was all BUL now as the dominance seemed to knock the fight out of the visitors. Orit then got a second for the team and a double for himself when he latched on to a pass from substitute Martin Aprem and swerved it into the net to seal the victory with sixteen minutes left on the clock.
The Red Eagles almost pulled one back in the 86th minute when Safi Mansoor received a pass from Edgar Katumba but Tom Ikara saved to keep his clean sheet intact.
That sort of energy from the visitors didn’t last long and the Eastern Giants were able to see out the remainder of the game without giving them a sniff of a way back in. There was no further impact on the score line, despite substitute Amos Kirya hitting the bar with header in the additional minutes.
BUL’s next league assignment will come on Wednesday next week against NEC at Lugogo.
Starting XI:
Tom Ikara (GK), Ronald Otti, Nicholas Mwere (Emmanuel Obua 90+1’), Walter Ochora, Ibrahim Orit, Ibrahim Mugulusi (Martin Aprem 58’), Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Kazindula 82’), Pascal Ngobi, Hillary Onek, Reagan Kalyowa (Amos Kirya 82’), Alex Kitata (Joel Madondo 82’).
Unused substitutes:
George Kasonko, Gerald Ogweti, Joel Mutakubwa, Benon Tahomera.
Both sides began the second half brightly, causing problems to each other but BUL remained tight at the back to deny the visitors any chance of a comeback.
Head-to-head
