Category: Club News

The points were shared at Mehta stadium as BUL FC drew 1-1 with URA on Friday.

Norman Namanya dragged the hosts into the lead as early as the first minute. Following an over the top ball into the backline, Namanya benefited from a defensive lapse to fire a rocket from distance after spotting goalkeeper Tom Ikara miles off his line.

Mid-way the first half, Amos Kirya equalized for the Eastern Giants, scoring his first goal in BUL FC colors, in the 21^st minute from inside the area off a tempting Nicholas Mwere delivery that goalkeeper Rogers Omedwa failed to deal with.

The draw keeps BUL, who have a game in hand, in the second place after 19 matches with 39 points, one behind current leaders Kitara.

BUL was presented with an opportunity to take charge of the affairs after the interval but Pascal Ngobi was denied by Omedwa before James Begisa shot wide for the Tax Collectors ten minutes into the second half.

Despite a much improved display in the second stanza, the Eastern Giants were not allowed a second, meaning that the game finished 1-1 in Lugazi. BUL will now return to FUFA technical centre to prepare for the match against UPDF on Tuesday next week.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, George Kasonko, Pascal Ngobi (Jerome Kirya 65’), Ibrahim Orit (Lawrence Tezikya 65’), Martin Aprem (Reagan Kalyowa 85’), Joel Madondo (Ibrahim Mugulusi 83’), Amos Kirya (Gerald Ogweti 65’).

Unused substitutes:

Joel Mutakubwa, Ibrahim Kazindula, Emmanuel Obua, Mathew Odongo Tayo, Benon Tahomera.

Friday 8th March 2024

Uganda Premier League

URA FC Vs BUL FC

Mehta Stadium

Kick-off: 4pm.

BUL FC are back on the road on Friday with a trip to Mehta grounds to face URA in the Uganda premier league with Abbey Kikomeko’s men looking to reclaim their top spot.

The match against SC Villa was postponed last month and this allowed Kitara to grab the summit with a narrow victory over Wakiso Giants but the Eastern Giants remain in an excellent position in the league table with 38 points, just one behind the Royals.

However, they now have to beat a URA side that is still unbeaten at home to stand a chance of an immediate return to the top.

In fact, the Tax Collectors have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes of late, which has culminated into eye-catching showings since David Obua took over the reigns at the club.

As a result, a 7th place on the log has been attained after posting eight wins, six draws and five defeats which have yielded 30 points after 19 matches.

BUL won the reverse fixture 1-0 at FUFA technical centre in October last year and go into the game on the back of a 4-1 shootout success against Express in Uganda Cup.

Progression to the quarter finals of the Uganda Cup has definitely lifted everybody ahead of the crucial tie, while the Tax Collectors suffered a 1-0 defeat at KCCA the last time out, as they exited the competition.

Friday’s clash will be the 26th league meeting between the teams since 2011.

Team News

 Head coach Abbey Kikomeko has confirmed that he has almost a fully fit squad to choose from for the game with only Douglas Muganga and Alex Kitata on the sidelines due to injury and malaria.

Reagan Kalyowa who has missed a couple of games has returned to full fitness.

Coach’s opinion about the game

“We defeated them 1-0 in the first round and it wasn’t an easy game at FUFA technical centre. Now we head to Lugazi and I expect a tough encounter from them,” Abbey Kikomeko said.

“They play some good football but we almost have the same style of play and I think the luckiest team will take the day.”

“Although we are playing at their backyard, we shall put in all the efforts we can to win all the three points.”

“We have drawn our last two games on the road, against KCCA and Maroons. This doesn’t mean that we shall draw even this one, we don’t want to share points, we need to win and return to the top because Kitara is apparently leading us by just a point.”

“We have prepared the boys very well and even made it clear that we don’t want anything short of three points from this game.”

Pascal Ngobi said;

“We know what is needed to return to the top. We didn’t get the maximum points we wanted against Maroons but it is always good to recharge yourself and come back in a fresh mood.”

“The boys have really recharged, the spirit is high and everyone is yearning for maximum points because it not good to win the first half of the season and then give up on the second round. So, the boys are going to push it harder and get all the three points.”

Head to Head

P25 W4 D10 L11

Twenty five (25) matches have been played between the sides in the league since November 2011, with the duels ending in four BUL FC wins, 11 URA victories and ten draws

Last four meetings

April 04, 2022

BUL FC 2-0 URA FC

October 14, 2022

URA 1-1 BUL FC

March 04, 2023

BUL FC 0-1 URA FC

October 31, 2023

BUL FC 1-0 URA FC

Match Facts

• BUL FC have won five away games, drawn three and lost two to register 18 points from a possible 30, the best away record in the division this season.
• They have also scored 13 goals and conceded nine in the process.
• The Eastern Giants are also unbeaten in their past four league games; they drew against Mbarara City, KCCA and Maroons, and won 2-1 against Bright Stars.
• But they have not won in their previous three away league matches, lost 2-1 to Gaddafi FC and then drew 0-0 at KCCA and Maroons.
• From the past five meetings between the sides, the Eastern Giants have lost only one to URA, the 1-0 home loss in March last year.
• BUL’s four wins off URA arrived with clean sheets, the identical 1-0 scores in April of 2016, February 2018 and October 2023, and the 2-0 victory in April 2022.
• Of the ten stalemates in this fixture, six were one all draws, two were goalless; while the other two were two all stalemates.
• BUL FC has not won in any of their 11 UPL visits to URA since 2012, with David Obua’s men winning five and drawing six of the ties but the Eastern Giants are unbeaten in their last two trips where they drew 2-2 and 1-1 in mid-November 2021 and mid October 2022 respectively.
• But URA is the most in-form home team in the Uganda premier league this term after picking 23 points from a possible 27. This has been as a result of seven (7) wins and two draws at the Mehta stadium where the Tax Collectors have scored 17 goals and conceded just 4.
• The two draws came against Kitara (2-2) in November last year and SC Villa (0-0) in January 2024.
• The tax collectors are unbeaten in 11 league games at home, stretching back to May last year.
• They have kept four clean sheets in their past four league games at Mehta stadium – against Mbarara City, SC Villa, UPDF and Maroons, scoring six goals across the matches.
• URA have lost only two games in their past six outings in all competitions, and that was against Wakiso Giants (1-0) and KCCA FC (1-0) in the Uganda Cup.

Match Coverage:

The showdown will be live on Sanyuka prime. Meanwhile you can also follow the action through our social media channels below with full text coverage during the game followed by a match report and highlights.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: Bulfc1

You Tube: BUL FC TV

BUL FC are into the quarter finals of the 2023/2024 Stanbic Uganda Cup after a last 16 penalty shootout win over ten time winners Express, with substitute goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa saving one and then scoring the decisive spot kick following a 1-1 draw in normal time.

Lawrence Tezikya, Benon Tahomera and Ibrahim Kazindula also converted in the 4-1 victory for BUL on Sunday. The Red Eagles only managed to convert through John Asimwe.

With nearly one minute of the additional minutes left on the clock, Joel Mutakubwa was purposely thrown into the fray at FUFA technical centre, replacing his compatriot Tom Ikara between the uprights.

In full view of the Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put; Mutakubwa was up for the job as he reminded the world of his expertise at saving spot kicks by comfortably denying Marvin Oshaba.

He also made himself too big in goal to force Isa Lumu to sky his kick before he showed them how it is done by dunking beyond Abdul Kimera to activate party moods in Njeru.

Chances were however few and hard to come by as either side failed to find the back of the net before the 85 minute mark.

It was the Eastern Giants who consistently looked most likely to score in the first half, but a solid defensive display from the visitors kept the game barren at the break.

Abdul Kimera came to Express’ rescue to keep out Lawrence Tezikya’s rocket in the 27^th minute, and picked his spot well to deny Walter Ochora twelve minutes later.

On the stroke of halftime, Benon Tahomera leapt highest and nodded in off a Jerome Kirya free kick after George Kasonko was fouled at the edge of the box by Kevin Ssekimbega but the goal was cancelled for offside.

The visitors did not have a shot on target until the 52^nd minute when Dawson Mafumu made a sole significant run from his defense that forced goalkeeper Tom Ikara to float in the air quickly and glove his hard delivery into a corner. Ikara made another fine stop slightly above the 70^th minute when he tipped John Asimwe’s strong close range header over the bar to keep the Eastern Giants in the game.

At this moment, both sides looked not to fancy shootouts as the hunt for a winner was conspicuously visible given the aggressive approach from either side.

BUL drew the first blood when substitute Ibrahim Mugulusi scored in the 86^th minute to throw FUFA technical centre into frenzy but the celebrations were short-lived as Edgar Katumba pounced in the equalizer with one minute left to play following a corner situation, forcing the clash to be settled through kicks from the penalty mark.

Abbey Kikomeko and his men now turn the attention to the Uganda premier league with the visit to URA FC coming on Friday next week.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK)(Joel Mutakubwa 90+2’), Walter Ochora, Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti, Benon Tahomera, George Kasonko (Ibrahim Kazindula 90+2’), Pascal  Ngobi, Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Mugulusi 45’),  Martin Aprem (Ibrahim Orit  85’), Joel Madondo (Gerald Ogweti 66’), Lawrence Tezikya.

Unused substitutes:

Amos Kirya, Emmanuel Obua, Shafik Kwikiriza, Richard Okello.

BUL football club will play host to Express FC in the round of 16 of the 2023/24 Stanbic Uganda Cup. The fixture was revealed in a draw held at the FUFA complex in Mengo on Monday, and will be played between 1^st and 7^th of March at FUFA technical centre in Njeru.

We reached the last 16 with a 3-0 thrashing of Simba FC in the round of 64 before a hard fought 1-0 win in the round of 32 at Kyambura Rastas a week ago.

Our opponents won 1-0 at MYDA in the round of 64 but needed kicks from the penalty mark to beat Rwenzori Lions 8-7 on penalties following a one all draw in regulation time.

It will be the third time the teams are facing each other in this competition since 2019. The Red Eagles capitalized on a Brian Omony strike to win a semifinal battle 1-0 at Wankulukuku in March 2019 but BUL repaid them in the same currency, at the same stage two years later as the Eastern Giants also ran 1-0 victors courtesy of Owen Mukisa’s goal to reach our first ever Uganda cup final.

The exact date and time for this clash will be communicated in the process.

BUL FC drew 0-0 with Maroons in Friday’s Uganda premier league clash at Luzira play grounds. The result saw us move to 38 points after 18 games.

It was a game that went back and forth with both sides enjoying spells on top, although neither could pile enough pressure to scratch a breakthrough goal.
The game was not notable for many chances as there was almost nothing to shout about in the opening thirty five minutes.

It took until around 37 minutes for the first chance of the game to arrive, and the hosts should have registered at least a shot on target when Abraham Tusubira Kakensa went behind our defense.

Despite having acres of space available for him to work through, the forward agonizingly chose to shoot wide from the edge of the box before Lawrence Tezikya thrashed his free kick into the hands of Hannington Ssebwalunyo five minutes to the break.

After the interval, BUL began the second half the quicker side as they committed more bodies in the opposition half following the introduction of new signing Ibrahim Orit.

They began to play with purpose and precision, and nearly broke the deadlock.

A flicked searching header found an advancing Pascal Ngobi but the goalkeeper produced an excellent save to deny the midfielder.

While the Eastern Giants were on top, Abbey Kikomeko’s men somehow struggled to create many chances although a few efforts were snuffed out by Maroons defenders.

On the hour mark, Ronald Otti thought he had given BUL the lead when he swerved in a hard one from inside the box but the goal was cancelled out by the referee citing a hand ball in the build up. Martin Aprem and George Kasonko’s efforts had initially been poorly cleared following a dangerous delivery by Hillary Onek from the right channel.

BUL went close again ten minutes later just that they could not beat Ssebwalunyo in Maroons goal. Substitute Orit took it on himself and split the midfield with a crafty move before playing into space for Onek to chase, however, the latter’s inviting cross was gloved away by the outstanding net minder.

As the game entered its evening stage, the hosts tried to come out of their shells but also failed to utilize their occasional raids thus the two teams settling for a point each.

The Eastern Giants will immediately begin preparations for next week’s encounter against SC Villa at FUFA technical center.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), Hillary Onek, Emmanuel Obua, Walter Ochora, Ronald Otti, Pascal Ngobi, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Mugulusi 74’), Lawrence Tezikya (Joel Madondo 90+1’), Martin Aprem (Shafiq Kwikiriza 74’), Gerald Ogweti (Ibrahim Orit 45’).

Unused substitutes:

Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Ibrahim Kazindula, Mathew Odongo Tayo, Benon Tahomera, Amos Kirya.

Friday 23^rd February 2024

Uganda Premier League

Maroons Vs BUL FC

Luzira prisons ground

Kick-off: 4pm

BUL FC is on the road again, making the trip to Luzira to take on Maroons in the Uganda premier league on Friday at the Luzira prisons ground. It is the third game in succession BUL is playing out of their Njeru territories having featured in two away Uganda cup matches before this one.

The Eastern Giants come into the game off the back of a narrow 1-0 Uganda cup victory over third tier team Kyambura Rastas on Sunday where they sailed  to the last 16 stage of the competition.

They also defeated Bright Stars 2-1 in their last league appearance two weeks ago to remain four points clear at the top of the table, with the eleven wins and four draws from 17 games resulting into 37 points.

Abbey Kikomeko’s men thrashed the wardens 3-0 in the reverse fixture played in October last year and all their focus is set on completing the double over the hosts to maintain a health point gap at the summit.

Maroons currently occupy the sixth place on the log with 29 points after 17 matches.

Last time out, they secured a point in a 0-0 draw against Wakiso Giants in Luzira.

Friday’s encounter will be the 12^th meeting between the sides.

Team News

Reagan Kalyowa and Douglas Muganga will miss the trip with injuries. Nicholas Mwere will also not be available for selection as he is serving his suspension after accumulating cards, but the trio are the only absentees for Friday’s match.

Ahead of the classic encounter and against one of the best teams when at home, coach Abbey Kikomeko said BUL is eager to outsmart Maroons in Luzira and come back with all the three points.

“Maroons are a very good team and everyone at the club – including players and coaches all know that. They are stronger at home than they are away, and they have got the tools that can hurt us. So we know that they are a side that can prove dangerous as they have demonstrated it throughout the season,” he said.

“Therefore, this is going to be a tough game for us given that it has even come at a time when we are just from a hectic Uganda cup journey where we played Kyambura Rastas far away in Rubirizi.”

“But I am not saying that the Maroons game should not have come at this time because we all knew that it would be played on this Friday long time ago.”

“So, there is no room for whining, and there is no time for sympathizing with ourselves. We just have to go to Luzira, compete and show them that we are BUL FC the table leaders, and also show them the best version of ourselves and come back with all the three points.”

“We need to become champions and it’s moments like these that make a true champion.”

“I always tell my players that we must have a must win attitude in every game we play and they have always done exactly what I have wanted them to do which gives me confidence that we shall get maximum points tomorrow.”

“I believe we have had enough rest since we came back and also think we have had good preparations coming into this game. We shall approach it like we always do so, expect us to win.”

Defender Ronald Otti said;

“We are prepared for this game as players although Maroons is sometimes a tricky team especially when at home. We drew 0-0 the last time we visited them but we won 3-0 in the first meeting this season, so they are going to come with intentions to revenge but we are also ready to sweep aside every team that comes our way.”

“Fortunately, we won our last two games in Uganda cup. Although the tie that is coming next is a league match and may require different preparations, as players we know what we need to do. We shall not show any sign of complacence or fear. So, that will motivate us to keep winning going forward.”

Head to Head

P11 W8 D1 L2

Both teams have clashed eleven (11) times in the previous seasons, resulting into eight BUL wins, two victories for Maroons and a draw.

Last four encounters

October 30, 2018

Maroons 1-2 BUL FC

December 21, 2022

BUL FC 5-0 Maroons

May 27, 2023

Maroons 0-0 BUL FC

October 20, 2023

BUL FC 3-0 Maroons

Match facts

• From a possible 27, BUL have collected 17 points as a result of five wins, two draws and losses in equal shares, from nine away games. Scored 13 goals and conceded nine in the process – the best away record in the division.
• The Eastern Giants have won three of their last five games in all competitions, with the immediate last two victories coming against third division sides Simba FC and Kyambura Rastas in the Uganda cup.
• But they have won only one of their previous four away league games, drawn two and lost one. The win came against Vipers SC in December.
• In the past five away matches to Maroons, BUL won two games, drew two and lost one. The victories were however far in between; the first, which was a 4-1 triumph, came in late September 2015 before the second victory (2-1) arrived at the end of October in 2018.
• Of the 26 goals in the previous eleven games between the two teams, BUL have twenty one (21) to their account.
• The previous 11 clashes produced a winner except on one occasion, the 0-0 stalemate in April last season at the Prisons grounds.
• From a possible 24 points, Maroons have picked 13 as a result of three wins, four draws and a loss from their opening eight home games, scored 13 goals and conceded six across the games.
• Their three wins however came against struggling sides – Mbarara City, Gaddafi and UPDF FC who are tussling for their lives at the bottom end of the table.
• They have also won only one game in their last five outings in all competitions.
• On the other hand, Maroons is unbeaten in five home games since losing to NEC FC in November 2023. They have won three and drawn two fixtures in the process.
• The loss to NEC also remains the only defeat for them in their last 18 home matches dating back to late November 2022.
• It’s however only two wins for them against BUL, with the last one coming three years ago. The first was a 1-0 victory in December of 2017 courtesy of William Kiibi’s second half strike, before winning again three years later in January of 2020 when they defeated the Eastern Giants 2-0. Fred Amaku and Stephen Mukwala were the scorers.

 Match Coverage

The game action will be live on television. Alternatively, follow our social media channels for the text commentary from the off.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

YouTube: BUL FC TV

BUL FC progressed to the round of 16 of the Stanbic Uganda cup following a hard fought 1-0 victory over Western regional league side Kyambura Rastas on Sunday.

Lawrence Tezikya came off the bench in the second half and separated the teams in the additional minutes with a priceless goal that lifted BUL to the next round.

The Eastern Giants enjoyed a lion’s share of ball possession throughout the contest at Kyambura play ground in Rubirizi district but they were denied a breakthrough by the hosts before the 90^th minute mark clocked.

All the focus now turns to the Uganda premier league with the visit to Maroons scheduled for Friday next week.

Starting XI;

Joel Mutakubwa (GK),Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Ronald Otti, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Ibrahim Orit, Amos Kirya (Gerald Ogweti 45’), Martin Aprem (Lawrence Tezikya 45’), Alex  Kitata (Joel Madondo 32’ (Ibrahim Mugulusi 58’)).

Unused substitutes:

Tom Ikara, Benon Tahomera, Ibrahim Kazindula, Emmanuel Obua, Pascal Ngobi, John Okurut, Shafik Kwikiriza.

Sunday 18^th February 2024

Uganda Cup R32

Kyambura Rastas Vs BUL FC

Kyambura playgrounds

Kick-off: 3pm

BUL FC are back in the Uganda cup action on Sunday, visiting third division Kyambura Rastas in the round of 32 at Kyambura play grounds in Rubirizi district, Western Uganda.

The Eastern Giants reached this stage of the competition following a 3-0 triumph over Simba FC on Wednesday in Namulonge, Gayaza with Ibrahim Kazindula, Walter Ochora and Alex Kitata scoring the goals.

BUL have impressed this season, with Abbey Kikomeko’s men currently on top of the pile in the UPL, and very keen on progressing to the last sixteen as well as keeping an eye on the next league bout against Maroons four days later.

After dispatching Simba, they come up against another regional league team but this time featuring in the western league.

The opposition

Sunday’s cup tie is Kyambura Rastas’ first game in the competition this season, and their first at this stage in their life time.

They reached here without putting in an effort at the round of 64, not that they were too good but because their opponents – Onduparaka FC failed to make the trip, thus qualifying by default.

Their efforts to come out of the preliminary round Uganda cup qualifiers for western region hit a rock last campaign as they fell short against Bunyaruguru Tigers and Bunyaruguru United.

But they did their homework well and came back this season with a bang, beating Six O’clock, Bwizibwera United and Bunyaruguru United in the qualifiers.

Kyambura Rastas’s form has been pleasing for a new side in the western region league. They sit fourth on the log with 17 points after winning five, drawing two and losing four in 11 games. However, their last home fixture was a 2-1 loss to leaders Bunyaruguru United last Sunday.

Team News

BUL will have to do without Reagan Kalyowa and Douglas Muganga who didn’t travel with team because of injuries but the rest of the players are available for selection.

Coach Abbey Kikomeko’s remarks ahead of the game.

“We shall not take Kyambura Rastas for granted; we shall approach the game like we did against Simba. The boys and the coaching staff are all ready and I think we shall get the victory tomorrow,” he said.

Midfielder Ibrahim Kazindula said;

“Our mentality this season is all about winning every game we play no matter the size of the team, whether big or small, we play like we are playing defending champions. Therefore, we shall not take Kyambura Rastas for granted, we shall respect them but all in all, we want to win that game.”

BUL FC set up a round of 32 match of the Stanbic Uganda cup with Kyambura Rasters, after easily seeing off Simba FC. Ibrahim Kazindula, Walter Ochora and Alex Kitata finished off the job on Wednesday to send BUL to next stage.

The Eastern Giants looked sharp and dominant right from the onset at Namulonge play ground in Gayaza and were the superior side throughout, full of energy from the back to the front as they ensured it would be them who progress to round of 32.

By the time they took the lead with the first of the three goals, they had already gone close about three times. Ibrahim Kazindula, making his first start of the season, made BUL’s dominance count when he slotted home in the 41^st minute to fully put the Eastern Giants in the driving seat.

Before the hour mark they had made it 2-0 up. After scoring against Bright Stars in the league last time out, defender Walter Ochora was at the fore again by glancing in Jerome Kirya’s effort delivered right from the corner.

The game would see new signing Ibrahim Orit make his debut as he was part of the triple substitution in the 71^st minute where he, Lawrence Tezikya and Alex Kitata replaced Gerald Ogweti, Jerome Kirya and Martin Aprem. Amos Kirya had replaced Joel Madondo at break time.

BUL then piled more pressure on the hosts and wrapped up the game in a spectacular style as Alex Kitata tucked in a rebound to make it three after Pascal Ngobi’s initial effort was saved.

Abbey Kikomeko’s men will now play Kyambura Rasters FC on Sunday 18^th February 2024 at Kyambura play grounds in Rubirizi, 4pm.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Ronald Otti, George Kasonko, Ibrahim Kazindula (Pascal Ngobi 83’), Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Orit 71’), Martin Aprem (Lawrence Tezikya 71’), Joel Madondo (Amos Kirya 45’), Gerald Ogweti (Alex Kitata 71’).

Unused substitutes:

Joel  Mutakubwa (GK), Benon Tahomera, Emmanuel Obua, Ibrahim Mugulusi.