Category: Highlights

The second most prestigious competition in Ugandan football, the Stanbic Uganda cup, is now heading into the round of 64 with a trip to Namulonge, Gayaza awaiting BUL FC.

The Eastern Giants, winners of the competition in 2022, have been drawn against Simba in a draw held at Sheraton hotel in Kampala on Monday.

Simba will host the tie between 18^th and 31^st January, 2024.

They reached the round of 64 after outclassing Sparks SC 4-2 on penalties following a two all draw in normal time, in the Buganda region qualifiers.

 

 

BUL are here by virtue of being a Uganda premier league club. They were unfortunate to lose to Police FC in the quarter finals last season but they will fancy their chances this time, aiming to replicate their feat of 2022 in the competition.

BUL’s chief executive officer Joseph Mutaka recently achieved a remarkable milestone as he graduated with a diploma in football administration and management.

Mutaka at the same time with forty two other football administrators completed a football administration and management course level II (FAMACOII) offered by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) last year, thereby enhancing their knowledge in managing football operations.

The extensive 400-hour course discussed various modules including; governance (encompassing leadership, association/club models and management, venues, and events), football as a sport (addressing sporting structures, infrastructure and youth development, coaching and refereeing perspectives), and football as a business (covering marketing, branding, revenue generation, finance management, communication, and matchday organization).

To mark their success and completion of the enriching course, their graduation ceremony was held on 5^th January at Jevine Hotel in Kampala, and was graced by scholarly football authorities – namely; the first FUFA vice president Justus Mugisha, FUFA deputy chief executive officer in charge of football – Kizza Decolas and director of football development at FUFA – Ali Mwebe. The FUFA executive secretary Ronnie Kalema was also in attendance.

Mutaka’s successful completion of the course demonstrates his commitment to honing his skills in football administration and management, and BUL will without doubt benefit from his newly acquired knowledge and expertise.

Congratulations CEO.

BUL FC players – Nicholas Mwere, Alex Kitata, Tom Ikara and Joel Mutakubwa have been named to the Uganda Cranes provisional roster for its international friendly match against Kuwait on Friday, Jan.19 in Cairo, Egypt.

The four have been in fine form for the Eastern Giants during the first round of the Uganda premier league and it would have been surprising if the Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put did not include them on the national team’s 25 man squad that was made public on Monday.

Mwere, 22, earns his second national team call up. The first came at the time the national side played Buganda region select in August last year. He has three goals and five assists at the moment in the league.

Goalkeeper Ikara is looking like the player he was five years ago, with his perfect snap shot stopping abilities and excellent game reading making him BUL’s number one between the uprights. He has so far kept six clean sheets.

Alex Kitata is another player who has improved in lips and bounds since joining the Eastern Giants, establishing himself as one of the most lethal forwards in Uganda and has dominated the strikers’ discussions by any sound football fanatic in the country. He has eight goals and four assists to his name at the present.

Mutakubwa has been a regular figure in the national team colors, and is part of the pillars that have seen BUL lead the table.

They will join the other summoned players for the residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi on 11^th January 2024.

Uganda Cranes full squad

BUL FC and Mbarara City shared the spoils with the game that closed our first round ending 1-1 on Saturday.

The first half had little goal mouth action at FUFA technical centre despite producing two goals, with the Eastern Giants dominating possession but struggled to break the away team down in the opening moments.

To be sincere, there were minimal talking points in the opening 37 minutes – not until BUL broke the deadlock on 39^th minutes that the game breathed some life.

Gerald Ogweti had flashes of a standout striker as his bursting runs behind the defenders were a constant menace to the Ankole Lions whenever he had the ball.

With the game still level, Ogweti held up play from Martin Aprem, then made a half turn – leaving a gang of his markers in the shadow before finishing well in the bottom corner with a low ball to put BUL ahead.

Soon after the lead, the visitors threatened to restore parity when Isaac Amutuhairwe tried his luck from distance but goalkeeper Tom Ikara was equal to his effort.

With an initial three minutes added on, BUL looked like they were going to hold onto their lead into the break but Mbarara City scored on the run of play to level matters in the second minute of that added time through their captain Joseph Akandwanaho.

Henry Kitegenyi unleashed a scorcher that Ikara spilled into the path of the wide man and he made no mistake to plant the ball in an empty net.

After the interval, the Eastern Giants asserted their dominance and came out the blocks fast especially after the coach introduced Mathew Odongo, replacing Reagan Kalyowa.

His blistering pace created an instant impact, increasing the rhythm and flow of the game. Alex Kitata hit the bar from distance in pursuit of the winner, while Odongo also hit the side net moments after coming on following an excellent delivery from Martin Aprem. Shafik Kwikiriza went close off the bench before Ibrahim Mugulusi shot direct at the goalkeeper as the scoreline finished one apiece.

The result means BUL remains top of the tree with 33 points heading into the second round, holding a four-point advantage over second placed Kitara FC.

The Eastern Giants will open the second half of the season with a trip to Lugogo in February to play against KCCA FC in a 6:30pm kick off.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), George Kasonko (Shafik Kwikiriza 72’), Ronald Otti, Nicholas Mwere, Douglas Muganga (Ibrahim Mugulusi 78’),Gerald Ogweti, Jerome Kirya, Reagan Kalyowa (Mathew Odongo Tayo 45’), Martin Aprem (Samuel Ssekamatte 72’), Alex Kitata, Benon Tahomera.

Unused substitutes:

Emmanuel Obua, Ibrahim Kazindula, Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Allan Kiggundu.

January 06, 2024

Uganda Premier League

BUL FC Vs Mbarara City

FUFA Technical Centre

Kick-off: 4pm

BUL FC host Mbarara City in their first game on home turf in 2024 at FUFA technical centre in Njeru on Saturday.

After going six games without defeat, the Eastern Giants fell to a 2-1 beating on Wednesday away at Gaddafi FC and will be looking for a positive response at home as a big three points are up for grabs.

BUL have by no doubt had an impressive start to the 2023/24 campaign, hitting the ground running from the onset and bossing the standings for a long while now.

They sit at the top of the pile with ten wins, two draws and two losses from their 14 matches – counting 32 points, three ahead of the second placed Kitara FC who have played a game more.

Mbarara City have been in contrasting form however as they have won just three games, drawn seven and lost four of their 14 matches so far.

They come into the game off the back of a 2-1 victory over Wakiso Giants on Tuesday. The result took them to the 11^th place on the table with a tally of 16 points, three above the Purple Sharks who occupy the last relegation spot.

BUL and Mbarara City last met in March 2022, with the game ending 1-1 at Kakyeka stadium in Mbarara. This is going to be the 11^th league clash between the sides.

Team News

The game has come too early for midfielder Pascal Ngobi and will have to sit out this one as he continues with his rehabilitation. He’s the only player set to miss out tomorrow.

BUL is the only team yet to lose a home fixture as of now and coach Abbey Kikomeko has urged his charges to utilize the home advantage to return to winning ways and close the first round in style.

“We are playing our last game in the first round – following a defeat at Gaddafi, a game which was not easy given that it was even a derby. But we are playing tomorrow against Mbarara City at our home ground,” he said.

“We have never lost a game at home, the last time we played here, we beat Busoga United 1-0 but tomorrow we are playing a game that is also not going to be easy for us. Nevertheless, I know we have that winning mentality at home.”

“We shall fight hard to see that we bounce back from our previous loss. The boys are prepared and I think we shall get the three points out of that game.”

Striker Samuel  Ssekamatte said;

“It is our last fixture of the first round. We are coming from a loss away from home but this season as players we agreed not to lose at home. And I believe we have done what is required to get maximum points tomorrow.”

“We have made corrections and rectified the mistakes we did in our previous game.  We have put the loss behind us and all we are looking for is maximum points.”

Head to Head

P10 W3 D4 L3

Both sides have met in ten league matches, and the encounters have produced three wins for BUL, three for Mbarara City and four draws.

Last four meetings

March 28, 2022

Mbarara City 1-1 BUL FC

November 02, 2021

BUL FC 1-0 Mbarara City

May 9, 2021

BUL FC 1-1 Mbarara City

March 17, 2021

Mbarara City 1-1 BUL FC

Match Facts

• BUL have won five games and drawn one, amassing 16 points from a possible 18 in six home matches.
• The Eastern Giants are also unbeaten in nine home matches – stretching back to April last year. They have registered five wins and four draws along the streak.
• Out of the six clean sheets they have managed this term, four have come at FUFA technical centre.
• It is only on defeat for BUL in their past seven matches. They have also scored in each of them.
• They have lost two games in 14 matches at the present but all the defeats were away from home – the 2-0 defeat at UPDF in November and the 2-1 loss at Gaddafi FC merely a day ago.
• Kikomeko’s side is unbeaten in their past four league games against Mbarara City – winning one and drawing three. Actually BUL’s last slump to Mbarara City happened close to four years ago, the 1-0 loss at Kakyeka stadium in February 2020.
• Also in their previous five home matches against the Ankole Lions, the Eastern Giants have three wins and two draws. They scored eight goals across them and conceded just two.
• This fixture has produced 19 goals since 2017, and BUL has 11 to their name.
• Mbarara City have played six away matches, lost and drawn three in equal shares – picking three points from a possible 18. They drew at Express, Busoga United and UPDF, and lost to Gaddafi, Maroons and URA.
• Their goal count on the road is two, while they have conceded seven.
• They are winless in 21 topflight away games – counting from October 2021. Along that winless streak, they have drawn in only four outings.
• The Ankole Lions’ last away victory on the road in the premier league was against Kyetume FC in June 2021 (Kyetume 1-3 Mbarara City).
• Their eight goals this season are the fewest by any side in the league.
• But they are the draw masters currently with seven stalemates, the most in the division.
• And they have won and drawn two games apiece; losing just once in their immediate last five matches altogether. The defeat came at URA in December.

Match officials

The referee for this match is Sabilla Ali. Sabilla will be assisted by Kateregga Ashiraf and Mafumu Mustapha as the first and second assistant referee respectively. Naigaga Habiba will be the fourth official while Kalyango Ali will be the referee assessor.

Match Coverage
For the best live experience, all fans should flock to FUFA technical centre but they can alternatively follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the game, followed by a match report.
Twitter: @bulfc1
Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja
Instagram: bulfc
YouTube: BUL FC TV

BUL FC were defeated 2-1 away at Gaddafi FC at the Gaddafi Arena despite a spirited second half performance. The Eastern Giants missed a penalty in the early exchanges and hit the wood work in the second half, while Gerald Ogweti got off the mark as he scored his first goal for BUL since joining the club from big league side Lugazi FC.

The hosts looked threatening in the wide areas and ultimately profited from two first half goals to take all the three points.

Frank Mulimi opened the scoring for the Soldier boys with eleven minutes played. The winger picked up a pass, spun around Nicholas Mwere and into box before  poking the ball under the arms of the advancing goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa to score in an empty net.

At the half hour mark, they went 2-0 up through a Ronald Bithum Nsumbiano header following a dangerous ball into the area.

But before the deficit, BUL declined a chance of their own to go into the lead on four minutes in. Joel Madondo fired a penalty kick straight at goalkeeper Andrew Ssekandi after Reagan Kalyowa was fouled in the forbidden area by Franco Magero Balabala.

With the score line at 1-0, they went close to equalizing when Gaddafi failed to clear in the 26^th minute, with the ball falling into the path of Reagan Kalyowa but his effort from inside the box was charged down by the lively Gaddafi goalkeeper.

Coach Abbey Kikomeko made a double change for the Eastern Giants at halftime. Gerald Ogweti and Ibrahim Muglusi came on for Joel Madondo and Reagan Kalyowa, and their impact was immediately felt.

BUL then began the second half with attacking intent. A neat passing move involving Jerome Kirya and Mugulusi teed up Martin Aprem whose shot clipped off the post with the goalkeeper out of place.

Buoyed by a positive opening, the Eastern Giants went forward again, and this time, their efforts were rewarded with a goal. Ogweti curled the ball from the left side to pull one back.

Just before the 80^th minute mark, the coach made another double change in the bid to force at least a draw. There was also a change in the formation, switching to a back three after introducing attackers Shafik Kwikiriza and Samuel Ssekamatte for Martin Aprem and defender Douglas Muganga.

In the closing stages, BUL dominated and was in total control of the affairs on the pitch but there was resolute defending from the soldier boys – thus condemning Kikomeko’s side to a second loss this season.

BUL remained in the first place with 32 points from 14 matches.

They will be in the league action again on Saturday against Mbarara City at FUFA technical centre in Njeru.

Starting XI:

Joel Mutakubwa(GK), Douglas Muganga (Samuel Ssekamatte 78’), Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Martin Aprem (Shafik Kwikiriza 78’),   Alex Kitata, Reagan Kalyowa (Ibrahim Mugulusi 45’) Joel Madondo (Gerald Ogweti 45’).

Unused substitutes:

Tom Ikara (GK), Benon Tahomera, Mathew Odongo Tayo, Vicent Zziwa, Emmanuel Obua, Allan Kiggundu.

January 03, 2024
Uganda Premier League
Gaddafi FC Vs BUL FC
Gaddafi Arena
Kick-off: 4pm

BUL FC are back on the road on Wednesday, making a short trip across the city to the Gaddafi arena to take on Gaddafi FC in another Jinja derby.
The Eastern Giants will be looking to start the New Year on a flyer, and with a healthy victory following a hard fought 1-0 win over Busoga United five days ago.
Abbey Kikomeko’s side head into the match six points clear at the top, at the time of writing. A third win on the bounce will clearly keep the Eastern Giants in the driving seat comfortably. As a result of ten wins and two draws in 13 outings, BUL have gathered 32 points, six ahead of Kitara FC who play a day before them.
For Gaddafi, winners in just four games in the league all season, they desperately need the points if they are to avoid the tussle in the relegation waters.
From the 13 matches, they have collected 13 points, one better of Busoga United who occupy the last place of the red zone.
They come into this one on the back of a disappointing 5-0 loss at Maroons last time out.
The sides last met in April and the clash finished 0-0 at FUFA technical centre. This is going to be their fifth meeting.

Team News
BUL will continue to do without midfielder Pascal Ngobi who is still nursing an injury, and he remains the only absentee ahead of Wednesday’s game.
After hustling to win against Busoga United five days ago, coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere anticipates another strenuous challenge in BUL’s way but promised his men will die a little to get the job done.
“Gaddafi is a team that often disturbs us in the league but we played our first derby against Busoga United which wasn’t easy and we managed to win 1-0,” he said.
“Tomorrow we are playing our second derby which I know is also going to be very difficult. But we shall do whatever it calls to get maximum points from that team.”
“Much as they lost their previous game against Maroons 5-0, this is not going to be easy game for us because we are away from home. However, we shall fight hard to see that we get all the three points from the barracks.”
Captain George Kasonko said;
“We are playing Gaddafi and it’s a derby, and there is no weak or strong team in a derby game. But one with the biggest character wins the day.”
“But as BUL, we are determined because we know what we want. We shall give in all we can to win the game.”

Head to Head
In the four competitive meetings between BUL and Gaddafi, there has been one BUL win and three draws
Previous four meetings
November 28, 2021
BUL FC 1-1 Gaddafi
April 04, 2022
Gaddafi 0-2 BUL FC
October 25, 2022
Gaddafi FC 1-1 BUL FC
March 29, 2023
BUL FC 0-0 Gaddafi FC
Match Facts
• BUL’s seven away matches have produced five wins, one draw and one defeat – tallying 16 points from a possible 21, the best away record in the league this campaign.
• Across all the trips, the Eastern Giants have scored twelve goals and conceded seven, and kept two clean sheets – against Bright Stars and Wakiso Giants.
• In 13 matches this season, BUL have dropped points in only three games – during the 2-0 loss at UPDF in early November and the consecutive 1-1 draws against Express and NEC in early December.
• They have scored in almost every game this season except the one against UPDF in November.
• Since losing to the army side, BUL are unbeaten in their past six games. They have won four and drawn two, scored 11 goals and conceded five during the run.
• Kikomeko’s men have never lost to the soldier boys – won one and drawn three times in four matches against each other. The win came at Gaddafi Arena in April 2022.
• Of the six goals scored in this fixture, BUL have four.
• This season, Gaddafi have won two, drawn one and lost four games thus picking only seven points from a possible 21 after playing seven home matches.
• The Soldier boys have however lost just once in their last four matches in the barracks, and that was against Wakiso Giants recently.
• But as a matter of fact, they have lost eight games this season at the present.
• They have also scored just eight goals and conceded ten at home.
Match Officials
Outeke Daniel will control proceedings from the centre on Wednesday.
Outeke will be assisted by Mutonyi Jane and Magoola Ashraf on the touchlines, while Duula Joshua and Amin Bbosa Nkono will be the fourth official and referee assessor respectively.
Match Coverage
All fans should follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the game, followed by a match report.
Twitter: @bulfc1
Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja
Instagram: bulfc
You Tube: BUL FC TV

Alex Kitata marked his return to the starting eleven with a goal that saw BUL FC race to a 1-0 victory over neighbors Busoga United in a Jinja derby game played on Thursday.

Abbey Kikomeko’s men went into the match at FUFA technical centre knowing that they needed all three points in order to fortify their position at the top and with a big points gap. BUL now have 32 points from thirteen matches, six points ahead of Kitara FC in second place.

The game got underway with the Eastern Giants passing the ball very well and pressed for an early lead as Alex Kitata almost opened the scores in the fourth minute, the forward leapt towards Ibrahim Mugulusi’s inviting corner but BUL’s number 26 couldn’t connect with the ball and was just inches away from a near post finish.

A few moments later, Nicholas Mwere attempted to catch his former side by surprise with a long range effort. The left back picked the ball around the centre line, marshaled off Fredrick Ngalo and sent a rocket but his effort smashed the post and went out.

Busoga’s first real threat came with twenty minutes played. Mugwa Bashamu spotted Jeremy Matata’s dangerous run on the left and placed the ball into his path, the winger cut inside to find space, leaving his markers behind but goalkeeper Tom Ikara made a swift run off his line to close him down.

BUL then continued to enjoy some good spells of possession. The tempo was up a bit with the Eastern Giants showing more purpose and desire to the get the first goal of the game. Their dominance finally paid midway the first half.

Kitata made no mistake this time as he glanced in a header past Salim Wekiya in the visitors’ goal off Ibrahim Mugulusi’s fantastic delivery from a corner in the 30^th minute.

Busoga United came close to dragging the game level in a blink as a long ball was lofted into the box, Moses Logono ghosted and broke free in the box but his header from close range was over the bar.

As Lucky Kasalirwe blew his whistle for half time, the Eastern Giants were ahead as the score remained 1-0 thanks to Kitata’s goal.

Coach Abbey Kikomeko quickly made a change when Lawrence Tezikya came on for Ibrahim Mugulusi before the restart but it was Busoga United who started the second half brightly – causing problems for BUL.

A little while into the second half, they introduced Hussein Ssajjabbi who attempted several dangerous shots from the middle but BUL’s defense managed to clear all the danger.

The Eastern Giants responded with another substitution, throwing Joel Madondo into the fray – replacing Reagan Kalyowa at the hour mark.

That did not tilt the second half into BUL’s favor as the visitors continued with several attacks in search for an equalizer, and at one time, Ronald Otti was forced to clear off the line to deny Peter Onen’s men a goal.

The coach then brought on Gerald Ogweti and Emmanuel Obua for Alex Kitata and Martin Aprem respectively.

But Busoga remained committed to looking for at least a point.

Emmanuel Ajo once again came within inches of firing in a leveler for his side in 88^th minute, the forward picked his spot well in the area but he skewed his shot and referee indicated a goal kick for BUL.

Their last chance fell to Ngore simon from a free kick in the additional time.  However, Walter Ochora policed well and kicked the ball far into safety.

BUL’s next league engagement is on 3^rd January 2024 with a visit to Gaddafi FC at the Gaddafi Arena in the barracks.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), George Kasonko, Ronald Otti, Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Ibrahim Mugulusi (Lawrence Tezikya 46’), Douglas Muganga, Jerome Kirya, Reagan Kalyowa (Joel Madondo 60’), Martin Aprem (Emmanuel Obua 89’), Alex Kitata (Gerald Ogweti 81’)

Unused substitutes:

Ibrahim Kazindula, Edrine Opaala, Mathew Odongo Tayo, Samuel Ssekamatte, Shafik Kwikiriza, Vicent Zziwa, Benon Tahomera, Joel Mutakubwa.

Thursday December 28, 2023

Uganda Premier League

BUL FC VS Busoga United

FUFA Technical Centre

Kick-off: 4pm

BUL FC will seek to put up one of the finest shows in front of its own fans on a Thursday evening, as they host neighbors Busoga United at FUFA technical centre in the first of the four Jinja derbies this season.

BUL have continued their impressive overall form, with the Eastern Giants losing one game only in twelve matches, finding themselves in the first position with 29 points, five better of Vipers SC in second place.

The Eastern Giants come into the game looking to make it six league games unbeaten after picking up a thrilling 3-2 away win over Vipers last Friday. Nicholas Mwere, Lawrence Tezikya and Ibrahim Mugulusi scored to earn them the vital three points.

Busoga United are in the 14^th place on the table. They have amassed 12 points so far this season which sees them just one point from the safety spot.

In their last outing, they drew 2-2 at home to URA. Emmanuel Ajo and Hussein Ssajjabbi gave Busoga a halftime lead but strikes from Bruno Bunyaga and Moses Aliro in the second half meant they had to settle for just a point.

Former BUL coach Peter Onen is in charge of the visitors while the Eastern Giants tactician Abbey Kikomeko Bogere is an icon at Busoga United having coached them right from the regional league to the Uganda premier league, winning them the big league trophy in the process.

The last clash between the sides ended 1-1 in April at Kakindu stadium. This is going to be their 16^th meeting.

Team News

Pascal Ngobi remains the only absentee for BUL. Coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere confirmed Reagan Kalyowa returned to full fitness and ready to feature, while defenders – Benon Tahomera and Walter Ochora who have been on suspension are also back.

While previewing the match, the coach warned that it will not be a walk in the park but remained optimistic saying that the team will flex the muscles to bag all the points.

“Busoga United knows us very well. Most of the players at BUL were in Busoga, I personally was also at Busoga. But at the moment, we are in different clubs and we are all looking for points.  They want the points but we also need them,” he said.

“It is therefore going to be a hard game but we shall also fight hard to maintain our position at the top, and with the performance we are having at the moment, I know we shall win it.”

“We shall not take any game for granted now that we are on top of the table. We shall fight hard to get all the three points.”

Joel Madondo said;

“I am a former player there and I know what they are capable of doing. But as BUL, we have prepared enough to take on them and get the three points. The camp is lively and everyone is enthusiastic and excited to play.”

Head to Head

P15 W5 D7 L3

This fixture has produced 15 meetings between the two teams in all competitions, resulting into five wins for BUL, three victories for Busoga and seven draws.

Last four encounters

February 25, 2022

Busoga United 0-3 BUL FC

March 25, 2022

Busoga United 1-1 BUL FC

November 25, 2022

BUL FC 2-0 Busoga United

April 21, 2023

Busoga United 1-1 BUL FC

Match facts

• BUL FC have nine wins, two draws and a loss this campaign– gathering 29 points, the most of any side in the league.
• Since losing to UPDF in November, the Eastern Giants are unbeaten in their past five matches – winning three and drawing two.
• They have also scored ten goals and conceded five across the run.
• Out of the 12 matches, they have kept five clean sheets – with three coming at home.
• It is 13 points for BUL as a result of four wins and a draw in five home matches. They have also conceded the least goals at home this season – two.
• The Eastern Giants have won three of their last five meetings with Busoga United – won 5-0 in December 2021, 3-0 in February 2022, drew 1-1 in March, then dispatched their neighbors 2-0 in November of the same year before sharing the points in April 2023.
• Only two players have scored hat-tricks in this fixture, and all were in BUL colors – Joseph Ssemujju in their 3-1 victory in December 2020 and Ibra Nsimbe in December 2021 during the 5-0 win.
• The sides have played seven draws between themselves; two were 0-0 draws, four stalemates finished 1-1 while the other draw ended 2-2.
• This derby has produced 34 goals since 2016, 21 of them scored by BUL FC.
• The ties between the sides have produced at least a goal except on two occasions – the barren stalemates of September 2016 and March 2017.
• Busoga United have collected six points, scored four goals and conceded thirteen in six away matches.
• They have three wins this season which were equally spread in the past three months. They beat Arua Hill, Gaddafi and KCCA FC in September, October and November respectively.
• Out of their last three games, they have drawn two – against Maroons and URA FC.
• But since winning at Gaddafi FC, they have lost their last three away matches consecutively. They lost at Bright Stars, SC Villa and Wakiso Giants.
• Their last victory over BUL was two years ago when they beat the Eastern Giants 1-0 in April 2021 courtesy of Ivan Wani’s goal at Kyabazinga stadium.

Match Officials

Kasalirwe Lucky is the referee for this match, will be assisted by Mafumu Mustapha and Mbabali Samuel as the first and second assistant referee. Duula Johua will be the fourth official while Kityo Asumani will be the referee assessor.

Match Coverage

The game will be live on television but you can also follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the game, followed by a match report.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

BUL FC moved five points clear at the top of the Uganda premier league after edging Vipers SC in a five goal thriller on Friday night. The Eastern Giants won 3-2 at St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende.

BUL have 29 points now, five ahead of the venoms who remained in the second place despite the defeat.

It was BUL’s ninth win of the campaign after twelve matches and the result saw the hosts lose for the first time at home in domestic competitions, bringing an end to their about 40 games unbeaten streak at the venue they called a fortress before Friday.

While Vipers enjoyed the lion’s share of ball possession, it was the Eastern Giants who posed more of a goal threat throughout the game – with Nicholas Mwere, Lawrence Tezikya and Ibrahim Mugulusi scoring to return BUL to winning ways.

Abbey Kikomeko’s men needed courage to get going and that is exactly what happened eight minutes in. Just moments after Jerome Kirya’s corner was punched back into play by Fabien Mutombora, the Eastern Giants took the lead when Nicholas Mwere peeled off the crowded pack and backwards into space, and then unleashed a hard slashing effort which evaded everyone to find the back of the net.

Vipers came close to leveling terms midway the first half through Yunus Ssentamu. Allan Okello lofted a long pass into the box with the striker controlling the ball well but was naïve and didn’t know what to do with it afterwards, allowing Tom Ikara to have an easy catch.

On the stroke of halftime, BUL made it clear to their hosts that had surely come for all the three points as they deservedly went 2-0 up before the break with a rare beautiful goal that nation may not see again.

Lawrence Tezikya was the chief tormentor this time as he robbed Livingston Mulondo of the ball and took it to the onrushing Mutombora in the box, he drifted outwards and rounded the goalkeeper but despite finding himself in a difficult angle, Tezikya skillfully picked out the far side of the net with a well curled ball that sailed between a retreating Paul Mbowa and the near post to silence the home fans.

The hosts however reduced the deficit five minutes into the second half through Yunus Sentamu. Bright Anukani started the move and combined well with Eric Kambale who slipped in Sentamu down the left. The forward then teased Douglas Muganga on his way into the box before he swerved in to give his side false hope of a potential comeback.

But things even got better for BUL when Ibrahim Mugulusi came off the bench three minutes off the hour mark. In the 66^th minute, he benefited from an inch perfect pass from another substitute – Alex Kitata to fire home the third goal that sealed the victory.

Vipers didn’t stop trying though, and again pulled one goal back through Mohamed Salem Ekbad who planted in a header off a Patrick Mbowa cross ten minutes from time.

They continued to search for the equalizer and Bright Anukani came close to delivering them the badly needed point but he was denied from a free kick by the upright in added time. BUL then hanged on until the final whistle to walk home with all the three points.

The Eastern Giants next task will be against Busoga United at FUFA technical centre in Njeru on Thursday next week.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara(GK), Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti, Douglas Muganga, Hillary Onek, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Martin Aprem (Shafiq Kwikiriza 78’), Lawrence Tezikya, Gerald Ogweti (Alex Kitata 55’), Joel Madondo.

Unused substitutes:

Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Samuel Ssekamatte, Allan Kiggundu, Edrine Opaala, John Okurut (GK), Emmanuel Obua, Richard Ayiko, Ibrahim Kazindula, Vicent Zziwa.