BUL FC is pleased to announce the signing of Bakali Magumba from Mbarara City. The 27 year-old defender has signed a two-year contract with the Eastern Giants.
Defender Bakali Magumba
On joining BUL, Magumba said;
“It’s a dream come true for me to be here now. I have been a fan of this great club since childhood and always dreamt of playing for the team.”
“BUL is our home team and I am proud that they have given me the chance to comeback home.”
“This is the team I have always wanted to play for, it’s the team that I have been working hard to impress, and now that I have got the opportunity to put on these colors, I and my fellow players shall fight hard to achieve the team’s goals.”
Magumba comes with a wealthy of experience in the topflight having featured for Busoga United (2017-2018) and Gaddafi FC (2019 -2023) in the Uganda premier league before he was transferred to Mbarara City.
The defender also plays for Busoga Province and was named on the best eleven of the FUFA Drum in the last edition.
Coach Abbey unveiling Bakali Magumba
He began his career as a goalkeeper at Tahweed Academy before converting into a defender.
Defender Ronald Otti has left the club after the expiration of his contract.
Ronald Otti celebrates with teammates
During his two-year tenure at BUL, Otti helped the team win the Super 8 trophy in 2023 and was very instrumental as the Eastern Giants finished second last season.
Defender Ronald Otti in action
Everyone at BUL FC appreciates his contribution to the team and wishes him the very best at his new club. Thank you.
BUL FC is delighted to confirm the appointment of Ibrahim Kirya as an assistant coach on a two-year contract and begins his new role immediately.
BUL’s now well stocked technical team is headed by Abbey Kikomeko Bogere. Simeon Masaba and James Magala are the other two deputies Kirya will have to work with at the Eastern Giants.
Ibrahim Kirya (right) apprehends his signature on the contract as CEO Joseph Mutaka looks on.
Joseph Mutaka, BUL FC’s chief executive officer said on Wednesday that;
“We welcome Ibrahim Kirya to BUL FC. We have chosen him from the very many coaches out there because we believe he has vast experience that he can add onto our technical team. He has been at SC Villa, URA and many other competitive teams in the league. So, if he brings such experience to our club, we think we can compete even more.”
Ibrahim Kirya said;
“I am a borne of this area and BUL is our home team, so, I have just comeback home to train my home team. And I am here to bring the glory days of Busoga back because since 1980, the region has not had a team win the league title.”
“Together with the head coach and other members of the technical team, we shall fight to see BUL FC wins the league very soon if not next season.”
Kirya joins the Eastern Giants from SC Villa where he served as the head of scouting last season. Before that appointment, Kirya had previously worked with the Jogoos as a trainer (in 2000) and head coach (2016) before he became their assistant coach in the 2022/23 season.
He also had spells at URA FC, Masavu, Lweza FC, Tooro United, and Wakiso Giants as their head coach.
Nicknamed Uchumi, Kirya has two Buganda Masaza Cup titles – with Gomba (2020) and Bulemeezi Ssaza (2023), and he was recently named by Buwekula as their technical director for the 2024 Masaza Cup edition.
Anthony Mayanja has extended his stay at BUL FC, with the midfielder signing a new one year contract that will keep him with the club until at least the end of the 2024/25 season.
The workaholic midfielder joined the Eastern Giants in July 2022 and had become an integral part of the team but sat out the whole of last season because of a niggling knee injury he sustained during BUL’s 1-0 defeat at KCCA FC in May 2023.
Mayanja is currently under rehabilitation and is expected to be fit before the start of next season.
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.
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
