MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 1-0 URA FC

Alex Kitata’s solitary goal and Tom Ikara’s goalkeeping heroics secured a 1-0 win for BUL FC over URA FC at FUFA Technical Centre on Tuesday.

Kitata roofed in his fourth goal of the season and Ikara denied Emmanuel Oketch, Joseph Ssemujju, Joshua Lubwama, Sharif Kimbowa and Viane Ssekajugo to secure all three points for Abbey Kikomeko’s side and ultimately move to the summit of the league table with 18 points from six games.

It was BUL’s fourth league win over URA since November 2011 and sixth on the bounce this season.

In what was a keenly contested encounter in Njeru, the tax collectors had chances to open the scoring but their lackluster performance infront of the goal and Ikara’s strong gloves were their greatest undoing.

Wide man Emmanuel Oketch came close under five minutes when he beat his marker to the ball in our half, advanced and unleashed a rocket that would be a goal on any day but our net minder was equal to the task as he parried the ball into corner.

Ikara was forced into another sensational save to keep us level, punching away a ferocious effort from Joseph Ssemujju who had found himself in space near the area and his attempt to convert the rebound was just too high.

BUL’s first real sight of goal came midway the first half, as George Kasonko demonstrated his attacking threat when he picked out Jerome Kirya whose low drive was well held by Denis Otim in URA’s goal.

By now, the Eastern Giants had started creating openings and on 35 minutes, Kirya floated an inviting free kick into the box and it bounced off the back of Reagan Kalyowa after losing sight of the ball.

Moments later, an electrifying move involving Kasonko, Nicholas Mwere and Martin Aprem resulted in Kirya releasing a low shot but it was off target and the chance went begging.

At the other end, the visitors could and perhaps should have opened the scores following a break through the middle by Hassan Kalega. Upon receiving the pass from the midfielder, Ssemujju agonizingly again failed to beat the goalkeeper.

Two successive corners went BUL’s way on the stroke of half time but the opponents were tight enough to keep the scores even heading into the break.

BUL began the second half with much urgency and soon after the restart; the Eastern Giants went ahead on 52 minutes.

Walter Ochora’s initial pass was blocked by Najib Fesali, Fesali’s clearance then bounced off the chest of a retreating Lubwama and back into their zone, beating Hudu Mulikyi before reaching Kitata who calmly tucked in the ball with his right foot to us into the lead.

The visitors however came close to equalizing just minutes later. Lubwama delivered a dangerous free kick but it was tipped over the bar by Tom Ikara.

At this moment, URA was everywhere, creating chances but with no one to convert. Ssemujju wasted yet again another chance. Ivan Ahimbisibwe missed from close range off an assist from substitute Moses Aliro following a counter, while Kimbowa also could not turn Kalega’s flicked header into the net as the end of the game was approaching.

Goalkeeper Denis Otim denied Mwere with a strong arm before Kitata hit the woodwork for BUL.

The game’s last chance fell to Vianne Ssekajugo in the additional five minutes but Ikara was alert enough to keep the clean sheet, his fourth in five matches.

BUL’s next league match will be against UPDF FC on 9th November in Bombo.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Pascal Ngobi, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Martin Aprem, Reagan Kalyowa, Alex Kitata.

Substitutes;

Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Samuel Ssekamatte, Lawrence Tezikya,  Gerald Ogweti, Ibrahim Kazindula, Mathew Odong, Emmanuel Obua, Edrine Opaala, Douglas Muganga.

MATCH REPORT: ARUA HILL 1-2 BUL FC

Ten man BUL won 2-1 away from home at Arua Hill to join new comers Kitara FC at the top of the Uganda premier league on Sunday.

It is now three wins on the trot from as many games for the Eastern Giants, and BUL has marched to nine points, same as Kitara after both teams winning all their opening three matches.

Goalkeeper Tom Ikara Commanding his backline

Alex Kitata got BUL in the driving seat midway the first half, running behind the defenders before tapping in Joel Madondo’s cross to give the Eastern Giants a deserved lead on 28 minutes.

It was a team effort that was well orchestrated with skill and agility. Pascal Ngobi schemed from the midfield to thread the ball to Madondo who beat two markers on the way to finding his striking partner in the box.

Madondo shields off an opponent

Our celebrations were shortlived however, as five minutes later, the hosts drew the game level through John Rogers who pounced in a header following a corner from Gadafi Wahab to send both sides in the halftime break even.

Following an over the top long throw from towering defender Nicholas Mwere, Kitata turned provider when he flicked into the path of Lawrence Tezikya who swept home first time with seventeen minutes left on the clock to restore our lead despite being a man down at Paridi stadium in Adjumani.

Benon Tahomera before being sent off

Benon Tahomera had been sent off around the hour mark for a high challenge against the opponent.

BUL will next be in action against Maroons on 20th October at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), George Kasonko, Nicholas Mwere, Emmanuel Obua, Walter Ochora, Joel Madondo, Jerome Kirya, Pascal Ngobi, Hillary Onek, Alex Kitata, Benon Tahomera.

Substitutes:

Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Ibrahim Kazindula, Lawrence Tezikya, Douglas Muganga, Gerard Ogweti, Mathew Odong, Reagan Kalyowa, Shafiq Kwikiriza, Samuel Ssekamatte.

FOUR EXCITING PLAYERS COMMIT FUTURE TO BUL

BUL FC teenagers – Richard Okello, Innocent Rwothomio, Julius Baraza and Swabiru Mpasa have signed their first senior contracts with the club.

Striker Innocent Rwothomio during a Juniors league action for BUL FC JT

After showing outstanding performances at the juniors’ side, the quartet were drafted into the first team where they equally impressed last season, and each has now penned a three year contract with the Eastern Giants.

Okello scored thirteen goals in eighteen matches as the junior team qualified for the national juniors’ league championship. Rwothomio bagged twelve in thirteen games. Both featured in six and five first team games respectively.

Mpasa, who plays as midfielder, played one match with the senior team.  He scored five goals in seventeen outings for the age group side, while defender Baraza made three appearances at the first team, and seventeen with the under 17 category

BUL AQUIRE MATHEW ODONG

BUL Football Club can announce the signing of Mathew Odong Tayo from Tanzania side Biashara United Mara FC.

The attacking midfielder cum striker has signed a two year contract with the Eastern Giants.

On signing the forward, head coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere said:

“Odong is an experienced player who can play either as an attacking midfielder or a striker. He has played locally and outside country, and he has a good work rate.”

“He is still young and I know he can still progress and get us the good results. With the depth and quality of players we have in our midfield, I expect a lot of creativity, fluidity and good goals.”

Odong came to light with Kampala University in the university football league before he joined the defunct SC Victoria University in 2014. He scored the lone goal as the university side fell out of the CAF Confederation Cup 3-1 on aggregate against DR Congo’s Don Bosco at Namboole that very year.

In Uganda, he also played for URA FC before he featured for Tusker in two stints, Kariobangi Sharks, Wazito FC and Zoo Kericho in Kenya.

KITATA ARRIVES

Alex Kitata has completed the transfer from Gaddafi FC to BUL.

The experienced striker joins the Eastern Giants on a two-year contract to bolster the forward line. He scored eight goals in 26 league appearances for the Soldier Boys last campaign, helping them avoid relegation to finish 11th.

On becoming a BUL player, Kitata said:

“I am thrilled to join one of the best teams in the country. My primary role is to score goals and I believe if we work together as a team, we shall score lots of goals and win more games.”

Head coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere said:

“As much as I have an experienced forward in Ssekamatte, I wanted to add on another experienced striker, and that is Kitata. I think with the help of the young lads around, and the experience of Ssekamatte and Kitata, we shall get good results.”

“I looked at his experience and the work rate, and he knows where to put the ball.”

“He scored eight goals last season, and where he is now, there are midfielders who can feed him well. And with the playing style we are going to adopt, I think he will give us good goals and I expect much from him.”

A pacey striker and proven goal scorer, Kitata brings huge pile of experience to BUL having played for The Saints, SC Villa, Kitara, UPDF (two spells) in the Uganda Premier League. He also featured for Rwandan side Kiyovu Sports Club on a short stint.

MWERE, WELCOME TO BUL FC

BUL Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of defender Nicholas Mwere.

The 22-year-old left back joins from Busoga United and has signed a three year contract with the Eastern Giants.

Nicholas Mwere (left} has re united with coach Abbey Kikomeko

One of the highly rated young defenders in Uganda, Mwere played for JIPRA in the secondary schools competitions and Kakira Town Council in the lower divisions of Jinja district at a tender age before he moved to Busoga United in 2021 where he played for the last two seasons in the Uganda premier league.

He is bully and a rock solid young player who often frightens strikers.

 BUL FC head coach, Abbey Kikomeko Bogere, said:

“When you look at the backline of our team, we had a loophole on the left side. So, I opted for Mwere.”

“I looked at his height, and his work rate. He is a young player and a promising defender.”

“I expect him to become a better defender now that he has joined BUL.”

Nicholas Mwere said:

“I am excited to join BUL FC, the Eastern Giants.”

“BUL is a winning team, they recently won the Uganda cup and I expect to win with them more titles.”

“I will try to defend better as well as attack at the same time to help the team achieve its targets. We are going to work together and win together.”

BUL RELEASE MORE FIVE PLAYERS

BUL FC has today parted ways with five more players, including two junior team graduates.

Owen Mukisa (in red) captained BUL FC in a Uganda cup semi final against Express

Paul Ssekulima joined the Eastern Giants in January 2023 but both parties have agreed to end the contract on mutual terms.

Aggrey Madoi is another player set to leave the club. Since 2020, Madoi has been one of the vital pillars at the team, helping BUL reach the first ever Uganda cup final in 2021 before playing a key part as the Eastern Giants won the competition a year later.

Our junior team graduates – Edrine Cavan Mawerere, Herbert Onyango and Owen Mukisa have also left the club. The latter shone to fame when he became the youngest player ever to captain the Eastern Giants and also scored a 26th minute goal against Express to send BUL to the Uganda Cup final in 2021 at FUFA Technical Centre.

We highly appreciate their efforts and commitment to the club; and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

BUL COMPLETE SIGNING OF TEZIKYA

BUL FC has completed the signing of Lawrence Tezikya from Vipers SC, with the striker penning a two year contract with the Eastern Giants.

Tezikya’s career in first-team football started at Busoga United, having risen through the youth ranks at Jinja SS.

Coach Abbey Kikomeko and Lawrence Tezikya have re united at BUL

The 22 year old striker made his senior club debut in the 2018/19 season when he came on as substitute during the Uganda premier league barren draw against Maroons FC at the Mighty Arena in Jinja city. He scored five goals in eight appearances that campaign.

He then earned a move to Vipers in 2020 before he secured a loan transfer to Maroons last season.

“Tezikya is one of the strikers I have looked at. He is still young, has passion for the game and he is promising,” head coach Abbey Kikomeko said.

“He is a kind of a player who wants to prove that he can be one of the best top strikers in the country.”

“I expect so much from him and I believe he will deliver.”

“He performed well in the previous schools tournaments and he has been gradually developing and improving. So I saw that when I bring him at BUL to compete with his former teammates like Joel Madondo, the club will benefit.”

“I expect to see good goals and fantastic performances from their partnership. They have been together, they have worked together before and they know each other very well.”

Nicknamed ‘Enzo,’ Tezikya helped Jinja SS win the Copa Coca-Cola schools championship in 2017, and emerged as the competition’s top scorer in 2018 and 2019. He is also a product of the FUFA juniors league.

JOEL MADONDO IS AN EASTERN GIANT

BUL FC has completed the signing of Joel Madondo from Gaddafi FC.

The forward has signed a one year renewable contract with the Eastern Giants.

Coach Abbey Kikomeko (left) with new signing Joel Madondo (right)

Madondo arrives at BUL with a lot of experience in the Uganda premier league after featuring for Busoga United and Gaddafi where he played over two stints. He scored one goal last season.

Following extraordinally performances and excellent goal poaching prowess at Busoga United, Madondo moved to Wydad Casablanca in January 2020 but mutually left the Morocco giants seven months later to return home, before he had another short trade across the borders with Tanzania second division club Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) in January 2022.

He guided Uganda Cranes to the CECAFA senior challenge cup title in 2019 when he scored an important goal in the 3-0 win over Eritrea at Lugogo.

He is also a Copa Coca Cola winner with Jinja SS in 2017.

Welcome to BUL FC, Madondo.

BUL APPOINT ABBEY KIKOMEKO AS NEW HEAD COACH

BUL Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Abbey Kikomeko Bogere as the club’s new head coach for the next three years.

Kikomeko joins the Eastern Giants from Mbale Heroes whom he led to FUFA big league promotion by beating Bukedea Central last season.

Abbey Kikomeko (left) and Club chairman Ronald Barente (right) at the club headquarters in Jinja

“We have taken Mr. Abbey Kikomeko on to be our new head coach for the senior team for the next three years,” Chairman Ronald Barente said during the unveiling function at the club headquarters in Masese, Jinja City.

“He is a very experienced coach, who has been in the Uganda Premier league and other competitions, and I am sure with the experience he has, he will take us to greater heights where we want to be.”

“He is a youthful coach known for grooming great talents in Jinja and the whole of Eastern region. With the things we want to achieve at this club, we thought wisely and zeroed on him as the best candidate for the job.”

New coach: Abbey Kikomeko during the unveiling on Tuesday

A highly experienced top level tactcian who managed in the topflight league for more than five years, Kikomeko won Busoga United the FUFA big league title in the 2015/16 season before leading them to a fourth place finish in top division three years later.

“I am excited to be at BUL FC. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the country. I know I am now carrying a big load, so, I am not here for fun – I have come here to perform,” coach Kikomeko roared.

“I am interested in young boys and promoting players from within.”

“With the help of the technical team and the staff, I think we shall achieve.”

Coach Abbey Kikomeko

The coach assumes the role with immediate effect.