The Eastern Giants have lost their first league game this season as they fell 0-1 to Express on Tuesday.
Mahamad Yaya Kakooza’s goal with just seven minutes into the second half was the difference at Kyabazinga stadium.
BUL FC made one change to the lineup that brushed Police aside last time out. Musa Esenu returned to the starting line up in place of Fredson Gwoto.
Ivan Wani featured in the second period after he replaced Ibrahim Mugulusi but it was a no show for Joseph Semujju as the winger missed his second consecutive game because of malaria.
Rearguard Walter Ochora received marching orders from referee Ali Sabila a few moments to the end of the clash.
BUL FC dominated proceedings and they had a couple of chances through Umar Mukobe, Musa Esenu and Dickson Niwamanya but they all fired wide or hit woodwork to allow the game to end in a loss.
Team manager Alex Isabirye briefing players
“We dominated the game and created numerous chances. The problem was that we failed to convert them,” team manager Alex Isabirye said during post match media brief.
The coach was immovable the Eastern Giants fell short because of lack of good fortune.
“We were the better team but we were just unlucky.”
It will be an away task for the Eastern Giants next time out when they face Onduparaka FC at Greenlight stadium on Saturday.
Isabirye said he will file his team to better goal returns in their next matches.
“We shall try to work on our sharpness so that we convert chances in our next games.”
BUL FC Starting IX
BUL FC Starting IX
Said Keni, Richard Ayiko, Walter Ochora, Douglas Muganga, Umar Mukobe, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Richard Wandyaka, Martin Aprem, Musa Esenu
Substitutes
Emmanuel Kalyowa, Hilary Onek, Owen Mukisa, Pascal Ngobi, Dickson Niwamanya, Ivan Wani, Ibrahim Nsimbe
Express are the visitors to Kyabazinga stadium on Tuesday as BUL FC host their second match in succession.
The Eastern Giants got their Uganda Premier League campaign up and running courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Police when the sides squared off in Bugembe last Friday
BUL seek to stretch their impressive record over their Tuesday visitors after scheming seven wins from their last twelve meetings.
Victory off the Red Eagles will raise the Eastern Giants to the top half of the log with six points, they are currently occupying the eighth place.
The away team smashed in four unanswered goals in a UPL game when the sides last met back in February. However, they make the journey fresh off the back of a second consecutive defeat in as many league outings that has left them floating second last on the table.
Team News
Returnees Hamis Tibita, Ambrose Kirya and Simon Peter Oketch are all vying to play their first game of the season. The trio have been struggling with injuries but this match seems to have come sooner for them to feature.
Talisman Joseph Semujjnand w eu will still miss out on tomorrow’s game having been diagnosed with Malaria
Manager’s comments
“We are playing Express FC tomorrow in the league and you know we don’t play the same style in the league and Uganda cup.
“We managed to beat Express 1-0 in Uganda cup but this is a different story we are in league whereby they are the champions of UPL and they are a strong team though they have lost their opening two matches. I know it wont be an easy contest but we shall try to beat them in our own courtyard” Remarked Alex Isabirye
Player’s remarks
“We are in good shape so what I can do now is to ask fans to come in numbers to support us. It has been awhile and we really missed them.”
“We promise to do our best in the game tomorrow to get the three points, we know it won’t be an easy game but we are going to do our best to get them” Ivan Wani
Last time we met
September 23, 2021 – Uganda Cup
BUL FC 1-0 Express FC – Fufa Technical Center
Youngster Owen Mukisa scored after a poor clearance from Issa Lumu to grant BUL that victory in Uganda Cup semifinals.
However, Murushid Juuko, Ibrahim Mugulusi, George Senkaaba and Ibrahim Kayiwa were all on target in the Red Eagles win on our last league clash.
Last Four Meetings
September 23, 2021
BUL FC 1-0 Express FC
February 20, 2021
BUL FC 0-4 Express FC
August 30, 2019
BUL FC 1-0 Express FC
February 10, 2019
BUL FC 1-0 Express FC
Form guide
The Eastern Giants have six wins to their name from the last eight competitive fixtures in all competitions.
Match officials:
Centre Referee: Ali Sabilla
Assistant Ref 1: Okello Lee
Assitant Referee 2: Mustapha Mafumu
Fouth official: George Olemu
Referee Assessor: Ali Waiswa
How can I follow the game?
The match will not be anywhere on television. BUL FC fans can follow all the action on our:
Fresh off the back of an exciting victory over Police last Friday, the Eastern Giants resume their Uganda Premier League expedition this Tuesday as they welcome Express FC to Kyabazinga stadium.
BUL FC has reigned supreme over the Red Eagles eight times in the last thirteen games between the two teams.
That statistic breezes nice melodies upon the ears and we hope this tie offers the same. However, before we taste that potential scintillating affair, let us have a glance at our recent clashes with the Tuesday visitors.
September 23, 2021 – Uganda Cup
BUL FC 1-0 Express FC – Fufa Technical Center
It was fun fair and camaraderie following our fantastic explorations last season as we made way to the Uganda Cup final for the first time in history.
But prior to the historic cup final, BUL dispatched Express FC in the semi finals of the competition.
The Eastern Giants took to the pitch with only one substitute – Ambrose Kirya (who had just returned from a lengthy knee injury) on the bench after numerous off season departures.
Owen Mukisa curled in the memorable goal following Issa Lumu’s poor clearance in the first half.
Sanon Mulabi saved a free kick from Muzamir Mutyaba and he also denied Eric Kambale later in the second half.
George Ssenkaaba powered his header onto the crossbar and he later had a goal ruled out for offside.
There were numerous efforts from the Red Eagles to equalize before the fulltime call, on the other hand, the Eastern Giants weathered them and marched to the final.
BUL FC Starting XI
Sanon Mulabi (G.K), Allan Kigundu, Fredson Gwoto, Godfry Akol, Aggrey Madoi, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Owen Mukisa, Thomas Kabaale, Martin Aprem, Musa Esenu, Joseph Ssemujju
Substitutes
Ambrose Kirya
February 20, 2021
BUL FC 0-4 Express FC- Kyabazinga stadium
Players’ heads fell in their hands and fans noded in disbelief. It was a cold Saturday indeed as Express scored four unanswered goals in our own territory.
Murushid Juuko opened their scoring party with a header when Abdul kimera failed to clear Godfrey Lwesibawa’s corner kick ten minutes into the game. Ibrahim Mugulusi doubled their advantage with a deflected effort into his own net and George Senkaaba scored the other as Express took a 3-0 pleasant lead at the break. Before that scoreline, the Eastern Giants came close to levelling the game in the 19th minute but Walter Ochora missed by an inch.
Substitute Ibrahim Kayiwa coated their win with a fine header in the second half.
Referee William Oloya officiated the game and issued Kimera a yellow card for handling the ball outside the box.
BUL FC Starting XI
Abdul Kimera (G.K), Douglas Bithum, Walter Ochora, Ramathan Dudu, Aggrey Madoi, Elvis Kibaale, Robert Mukongotya, Ibra Mugulusi, Musa Esenu, Richard Wandyaka & Fredson Gwoto.
August 30, 2019
BUL FC 1-0 Express FC-FUFA Technical Centre
The Eastern Giants opened their 2019/20 UPL campaign with a 1-0 win off Express FC in Njeru.
Deogracious Ojok scored the lone goal in that victory. He tapped in from close range after Hamis Tibita ruptured the visitor’s rearguard.
Richard Wandyaka was chanced to stretch the lead but he was short of his scoring boots as he flew the ball over the bar while Charles Ssebutinde hit the woodwork.
Frank Kalanda thought he had equalized for the Red Eagles in the 34th minute but his goal was ruled out by the assistant referee because of a push on goalkeeper Abdul kimera.
BUL FC Starting XI
Abdul kimera(GK), Dennis Okot, Richard Matovu, Walter Ochora, Musa Walangalira, Godfrey Akol, James Otim, Charles Ssebutinde, Deogracious Ojok, Richard Wandyaka & Hamis Tibita
February 10, 2019
BUL FC 1-0 Express FC- Fufa Technical Center
Jean Pierre Kambale Muhindo rose highest and fired in a late winner as the Eastern Giants defeated Express FC in 2019.
Both sides played with caution throughout the 90 minutes but eventually BUL had the last laugh.
Ezekiel Katende, Charles Ssebutinde and Hamis Tibiita squandered goal-scoring opportunities in the earlier stages of the game. Coach Peter Onen brought on Douglas Owori in place of Deogratius Ojok and his instant impact was felt as he injected pace in the attack which manufactured the all important goal.
Tuesday October 26
BUL FC ?-? Express FC – Kyabazinga Stadium Bugembe
The Eastern Giants furthered their dominance over Police with a 2-1 win at Kyabazinga stadium on Friday.
The team scored either side of Police’s goal through Ibrahim Mugulusi and via Richard Wandyaka to register victory in their opening league game. This was their seventh win off the Cops in the now last eight meetings.
BUL FC was without youngsters Joseph Semujju and Simon Peter Oketch due to illness and lack of match fitness in that order.
Mugulusi opened the way with a stunning free kick before Brian Muluuli levelled the matters on the stroke of halftime. Wandyaka restored the lead immediately after the interval.
Ibrahim Mugulusi was man of the match
Mugulusi put up a man of the match performance and the midfielder said:
“I feel grateful for scoring the first goal of BUL FC this season and for also putting up man of the match performance.”
Manager Alex Isabirye discuss tactics with his assistant Daniel Kabale
Team manager Alex Isabirye, who fielded eight new recruits in this particular game, said he was elated but equally irritated by the manner in which his team conceded the goal.
“Of course I am excited for the win but disappointed for conceding a silly goal.”
“Some players are still struggling with the system and style of play, but, this was our first game. We shall improve with time and I am certain we shall reach where we want to go.”
Both teams were so lively after the kick off whistle. They created numerous chances on both ends and served fans with flair.
The visitors got their first realistic chance as early as the 3rd minute. Fredson Gwoto misplaced a pass in his own backyard, then Emmanuel Mugume who was well placed in the box took up the gift but Walter Ochora recovered in time to clear as far as possible.
BUL players celebrate after scoring their first goal
Martin Aprem chested down a long range pass, spinned into the box and launched a hard one, Tom Ikara scrambled it away though not far. His striking partner Wandyaka reacted swiftly but then the cops cleared.
Shortly after that, the pair fashioned another chance only for Wandyaka to miss a sitter.
Muluuli afterwards weaved through to the box, he set up Mugume, Mugume then shot over bar.
A few moments later, Juma Balinya copied from his script. The forward was all clear on goal in a one on one situation but directed his attempt straight to Keni.
Aprem came close again. He feasted on a line breaking pass from Wandyaka, he struck a strong low shot and with Ikara crawling, Yusufu Sozzi was so fast to stop it before crossing the line.
BUL FC finally unlocked the deadlock on the 37th minute. Ibrahim Mugulusi curled the ball straight into the net from a free kick after Mukobe was bundled down on the edge of the box.
In a meantime, Muluuli intercepted Keni’s clearance, played in Balinya, Balinya couldn’t keep his composure to restore parity for his team.
Umar Mukobe was the first to get booked on day when the wing back necessarily fouled Eric Senjobe.
BUL looked like carrying their lead into the break but unfortunately Muluuli guided a glancing header passed the onrushing Keni after a defensive mix up.
Two minutes into the second half, Wandyaka tapped in to give the Eastern Giants the lead, again. Mugulusi picked up a pass deep in the midfield, he dazzled through – bamboozling a forest of bodies. He spotted Fredson Gwoto on the left unmarked. The left wing back made use of acres of space on his side to accelerate and connected to Wandyaka who drove it home.
Who replaced who?
Esenu came on as substitutes
Striker Musa Esenu was substituted on in place of Gwoto.
Substitute Herman Wasswa had his header rattle off the bar four minutes from full-time; the second assistant referee’s flag was already up for offside before his efforts.
Mugulusi paved way for Dickson Nuwamanya as Pascal Ngobi came on for Wandyaka late on.
What is next?
The Eastern Giants will next be in action at home to Express FC on Tuesday October 26.
BUL’s starting XI Vs Police fc
BUL FC Starting XI
Said Keni, Richard Ayiko, Walter Ochora, Douglas Muganga, Umar Mukobe, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Martin Aprem, Fredson Gwoto, Richard Wandyaka
Substitutes
Emmanuel Kalyowa, Hilary Onek, Owen Mukisa, Pascal Ngobi, Dickson Nuwamanya, Musa Esenu, Ibrahim Nsimbe
BUL FC get their 2021/22 Uganda Premier League campaign under way on Friday afternoon when they host Police FC at Kyabazinga stadium in a 3pm kick-off.
The Eastern Giants were not in action on match day one after SC Villa was scrapped off from the final UPL fixtures, but their Friday opponents played to a 0-2 loss to Vipers in that round.
BUL FC closed the preceding season with a positive run of form, winning five of their last seven competitive matches and their willpower to carry forward that impressive streak is evident.
And here comes a visitor they often beat. BUL FC have six wins on record yielded from their seven immediate past meetings with Police.
However, the Eastern Giants fell to the cops in their solitary meeting last season.
The visitors walk into this match languishing in 14th place whilst BUL FC rank 8th on the log even before kicking a ball in this new campaign.
Team News
The team is free from any injury concern apart from forward Joseph Semujju who is suffering from malaria. The rest of the players are available for selection.
Coach’s comments
We have been training for the last two months. We are very ready for Police FC. Police is one of the strongest teams in the league. If we are to win something, we have to win this game. My players are okay and very ready to get the three points
Captain’s remarks
I take this opportunity to thank the coaches for the preparations they have taken upto now. We are having our first fixture against Police tomorrow 22nd Oct. 2021 at 3:00pm at Kyabazinga Stadium Bugembe. It won’t be an easy game because Police FC is an experienced team but am very sure we are better and we are going to win
Last time we met
February 16, 2021
Police FC 2-0 BUL FC – Lugogo
The Eastern Giants travelled to Lugogo the last time these two teams met. That evening, Police raced to a 2-0 victory in Kampala. Johnson Odong and Brian Muluri scored in the second half to earn their side the three points.
Last Four Meetings
February 16, 2021
Police FC 2-0 BUL FC
September 04, 2019
Police FC 0-2 BUL FC
March 06, 2019
BUL FC 2-1 Police FC
September 29, 2018
Police FC 1-2 BUL FC
Form guide
BUL step into this tie with confidence following a track of five wins from the last seven competitive fixtures in all competitions.
The team has as well won nine practice games and lost only twice in fourteen preseason matches.
Ticket prices
Match officials
How can I follow the game?
The match will not be anywhere on television. BUL FC fans can follow all the action on our:
BUL FC players celebrate after scoring against Police
The unprecedented times have seen us play twice away to police in the previous two seasons without hosting them because of force majeures before our home matches with the Cops in both campaigns.
Contrastingly, this time, the Eastern Giants were fixed to play host to Police early in a game due Friday at Kyabazinga stadium.
And in the run up to that fixture, which will also serve as our league opener, we have dug through our dairies for a synopsis of our immediate last four league match ups.
Saturday September 29, 2018
Police FC 1-2 BUL FC – Lugogo
We stormed Lugogo stadium to face Police in our opening game of the season 2018/19, it was also the first for our former coach Peter Onen in charge of the team.
Villa Oromchan and Douglas Owori found the net in either half as we battered Police 2-1.
Oromchan scored from close range after goalkeeper Davis Mutebi spilled a shot from Hamis Tibita into the forward’s way.
Owori doubled our lead after the break with a neat tap in from a cross following a spectacular counter attack.
Ronald Nyanzi pulled one back for the home side on the hour mark and reduced the deficit but the Eastern Giants held their nerves until fulltime.
BUL FC Starting XI
Hannington Ssebwalunyo (GK), Umar Mukobe, Richard Matovu, Abdul Mayanja, Musa Malunda, Yunus Sibira, Patrick Sembuya, Richard Wandyaka, Hamis Tibita, Villa Oromchan,Douglas Owori.
Substitutes
Wycliffe Mori Manja, Hakim Magombe, Faizal Muledhu, Daniel Shabena, James Otim, Deogratius Ojok, Joshua Lubwama.
March 06, 2019
BUL FC 2-1 Police FC – Fufa Technical Center
We reigned supreme over the cops in the return leg and completed a double over them with a score of 2-1 in Njeru.
Captain Jimmy Kulaba and James Otim scored in the opening period but Ronald Nyanzi, again, pulled one back for Police as was the case in the first meeting.
Kulaba put us ahead a quarter an hour into the clash and James Otim scored the second goal of the team eight minutes later.
The cops managed to record a goal in the 53rd minute through Nyanzi but wasn’t enough to deny us the three points.
Goal keeper Sanon Mulabi
BUL FC Starting XI
Hannington Ssebwalunyo, Umar Mukobe, Richard Matovu, Jimmy Kulaba, Willis Otong, Patrick Sembuya, James Otim, Charles Ssebutinde, Jean Pierre Kambale Muhindo, Daniel Shabena, Douglas Owori
Substitutes
Paul Mujampwani, Musa Malunda, Hakim Magombe, Abdul Mayanja, Richard Wandyaka, Ezekiel Katende, Fadiri Marijani
September 04, 2019
Police FC 0-2 BUL FC – Kabaka Kyabagu Stadium
The 2019/20 campaign twinned us with Police on match day two at Kabaka Kyabagu Stadium in Wakiso.
We caught them off guard as they tried to build from the back. Deogratius Ojok intercepted a short pass and scored in an empty net as early as the 12th minute.
Walter Ochora rose highest in the 67th minute and noded home from a corner and put the game out of sight for the Cops.
Police threatened late on but veteran defender Musa Walangalira cleared off the line and Abdul Kimera worked out a brilliant dive and saved Ruben kimera’s effort.
Prematch training ahead of Police game last season
February 16, 2021
Police FC 2-0 BUL FC – Lugogo
After several seasons of suffering at our hands, the Cops conspired and staged revenge.
Police FC began the game in high spirit and committed various tides in attack but our rearguards stood firm.
Musa Esenu missed a chance to put the Eastern Giants in the lead after the interval, and in a brink of an eye, Police midfielder Tony Mawejje copied from his script as he as well failed to convert a spot kick.
But Police swarmed us several times and finally broke the deadlock when Johnson Odong fired passed Abdul Kimera.
Brian Muluri sealed off their rare victory in the 74th minute with a fine finish.
BUL FC Starting XI: Abdul Kimera (GK), Jimmy Kulaba, Aggrey Madoi, Walter Ochora, Ramathan Dudu, Godfrey Akol, Martin Aprem, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Musa Esenu, Joseph Ssemujju, Fredrick Kigozi.Next Meeting
L-R: Crespo Patrick Asiku, Ayub Isiko, Rashid Kebba and Rajab Mukose
With many recent additions, BUL FC “The Eastern Giants” have went on a vital trip to Iganga for a team building retreat at Sana Country hotel.
The retreat in progress resumed on Thursday and will last for three successive days this up to Saturday October 16.
While there, the team will work to find greater solidality, bonding and cohesion ahead of this season’s league commencement.
Groundsman Rajab Mukose (Dad Alonso) poses for a photo at Sana Country Hotel
“This is a valuable opportunity for us to understand each other as a team. I wanted players and officials to know each other deep inside and synergize for the rest of the time we shall be here.” Said Team manager Alex Isabirye
“I expect members of the team to commit focus on the forthcoming campaign and pave a way forward to achieve our aims and objectives.” Isabirye stressed
“Equally, I want to thank management for the timely financial support towards this cause. It came really in the right time.”
BUL FC will also work together through a wide range of team-building activities, practice games, and as well exercises.
Players during warm up before a practice game
Team camp program
Thursday October 14, 2021
9:00am: Team trains at Kyabazinga stadium Bugembe
2:00pm – Team Photoshoot at C’Sand Hotel Jinja
5:00pm – Team departs for Iganga
6:00pm – Team checks in at Sana Country Hotel
Friday October 15, 2021
10:00am – Team holds first training in Iganga at Iganga Boys Primary school playground
4:00pm – Practice match between Eastern Giants FC Vs BUL FC
Saturday October 16, 2021
10:00am – Open talk session
3:00pm – Practice match between Iganga Young FC Vs BUL FC.
BUL Football Club is pleased to announce our season-ticket pricing for 2021/22 season in the Uganda Premier League.
Tickets are already on sale at club offices in Masese, Jinja City from Monday to Saturday or relatedly we can at free cost deliver it to your doorsteps within Jinja City vicinity.
With 15 league home games on card, we are cheaply offering ordinary tickets at Seventy thousand shillings only (70,000/=) that comes with our home kit and V.I.P tickets at only One hundred thousand shillings only (100,000/=) and also coming with our home replica jersey.
“We have taken careful consideration of these prices at this level in our area and therefore, we appeal to our fans to passionately rush for these pocket friendly season tickets before league’s commencement because no fan will be given access to our home games without any of them.” Noted Ahmed Kongola the club CEO.
Our replica jersey will come in different categories ranging from adult fitting-wear as well as toddler’s in various sizes.
Should you want more information about the same, please reach to our club CEO on 0702 969832.
More than ever before, the Eastern Giants have assembled a fairly young squad that will compete in several seasons to come.
Numerous members of the Junior side have been given a node to the first team and a variety of new players in their early 20s have been recruited as we aim to build a dominant football dynasty in Uganda.
Simon Peter Oketch leads the legion of the gifted young players from the Junior team that have earned places in the senior squad for close to three seasons now. And the party is joined by Thomas Kabaale, Hamis Tibita and Aprem Martin.
Youngsters Thomas Kabale, Simon Peter Oketch pose for a photo with senior players on Uganda Cup final recently
Reagan Kalyowa is likely to establish himself as a dominant figure for the Eastern Giants while Owen Mukisa and Allan Kiggundu have been given a taste of topflight football by the current management and may mold into the next big things in a short while.
Team manager, Alex Isabirye said he is building a temple of soccer at BUL Football Club, and is willing to take a gamble on young talent with huge potential to perform in the league.
“We are building a team which will dominate football in Uganda in the next three to four years.”
“That is why we are greatly considering young players but mainly from our Junior team.”
Owen Mukisa and Thomas Kabale
Talking of the junior team, this team won the Juniors league in 2019 and the side now claims more than nine players on the first team. Isabirye echoed that these will be the cornerstone of the long-term-project and a viable option to mercenary players.
“We have a lot of good young players. We are refining and grooming them.”
“We no longer want players who only come here to get the money but not to play for the team.”
“We now want players with a thick team spirit.”
Youthful Signings
Owen Mukisa speaking to press
The club carefully signed proven but quite young players to reinforce key positions – right from goalkeeping to the attacking end after fourteen players were released last season.
Said Keni was recruited to better the goalkeeping area. Then the midfield was freshened up by the addition of George Kasonko and Pascal Ngobi. Ibrahim Nsimbe and Ivan Wani were fetched to sharpen our attack, and all these players are under the age bracket of 25. Other new players in the same age bracket are Joel Abaliwano and Douglas Muganga.
It should be borne in mind that we also signed a promising Jerome Kirya. The attacking midfielder is below 20 years of age.
The club was already rich with established and exciting youthful players like Joseph Semujju and Musa Esenu, to mention but two.
Our manager, Isabirye is working on a formula which will weave them together with the more experienced players to form a steely threatening team.
Competing next season
We now believe we have assembled a strong squad that can attain long-term success.
The club embarked on preparations early enough in response to that unfamiliar 11th finish in the league, and Isabirye said, the Eastern Giants are now set to begin at full speed in the forthcoming campaign that kicks off a fortnight from now
“Our target this season is to compete.”
“The team is good and we do not aim to finish in the 11th place.”
“We have got good players with character. At least, we want to be in the top four.”
BUL has featured in thirteen trial games, sprinkled opponents with goals and notched up nine preseason wins.
Said Keni, George Kasonko and Ambrose Kirya have been appointed the new team skippers ahead of the new season.
The players unanimously agreed to have the trio as their team leaders.
Kirya said: “I am excited to have been appointed as one of the team captains. I thank God for this opportunity. I also thank the coaching staff and fellow players for their trust in me. I promise maximum unity so that we achieve the team goals.”
The midfielder, Keni and Kasonko will share the leadership and captainship roles equally and they replace Walter Ochora with immediate effect.