It finished goalless between Maroons and BUL FC at the prisons grounds, with the point guiding the Eastern Giants to a seventh place finish in the league as the curtain fell on the 2022-23 season on Saturday.
Coming into the game on the back of an impressive show against Vipers in the previous outing, BUL put up a spirited fight against the prison warders in Luzira. They dominated the proceedings throughout the game although they couldn’t find a winner.
Amends were made to the side on the eve of the second half, with the coach introducing Hillary Onek and Richard Okello before Richard Wandyaka, Innocent Rwothomio and Ivan Wani also came in.
After the alterations, BUL found the right gear – pitching camp in Maroons area for large spells of the game but the hosts remained watertight in the back.
From the 28 matches played this season, BUL won eight, drew 12 and lost eight in the process to tally 36 points.
Starting XI
Tom Ikara (GK), Douglas Muganga (Hillary Onek 46′), Ronald Otti, Richard Ayiko, George Kasonko (Richard Okello 46′),Pascal Ngobi, Jerome Kirya, Reagan Kalyowa (Innocent Rwothomio 78′), Emmanuel Obua (Ivan Wani 87′), Martin Aprem (Richard Wandyaka 62′), Samuel Ssekamatte.
BUL FC battled to a point at Vipers SC in our ultimate home game of the season, with goalkeeper Tom Ikara earning the man of the match accolade following his classic showings between the sticks.
Outstanding: Goalkeeper Tom Ikara was named man of the match
After a goalless first half, BUL took the lead on sixty five minutes through Samuel Ssekamatte but Karim Watambala’s injury time penalty ensured both teams took a point from the game at FUFA technical centre.
Following a lively start, the game settled down somewhat and despite plenty of competitiveness from both sides, chances were limited at either end in the early exchanges of the first half.
The visitors had a glorious chance to open the scores with 15 minutes on the clock. Yunus Sentamu got in behind the BUL backline as a result of Douglas Muganga missing the ball, and after facing the goal, his low shot played out into the gloves of Tom Ikara.
They went close again when Ashraf Mandela whipped in a teasing cross a few moments later, but his effort too was claimed by the goalkeeper.
At the other end, BUL was in ascendancy mid way the half, as Ssekamatte’s bursting run in the middle led to Reagan Kalyowa shooting into a defender for a corner.
Our good spell continued with our second chance in two minutes, but like the first, there was no yellow shirt to connect with Ssekamatte’s ground effort across the face of the goal.
Ikara was then forced to clear his line using his feet following a goal melee from inside the box as the away side tried to re-establish the foothold on the game.
Ssekamatte gave Mukundane a run for his money throughout the game
Vipers’ goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora however needed to be at full stretch to brilliantly push away Ssekamatte’s free kick that left him requiring medical attention, before Sentamu aimed his corner direct at Ikara on the stroke of halftime.
The Eastern Giants had a dream start to the second half though when, just two minutes in, Ssekamatte underused an open chance with his shot sailing over the bar.
And with five minutes after the hour, the forward made amends, gliding home the opener off a Reagan Kalyowa cross, giving Mutumbora no chance as the ball nestled into the bottom left corner.
Reagan Kalyowa swung in the cross that Ssekamatte headed in for the opener
BUL had to ride some spells of pressure from the away side onwards, but Simeon Masaba’s men produced a resolute defensive display until a goal deep into added time from the penalty spot from Abdul Karim Watambala earned the visitors a point.
It’s now 35 points for the Eastern Giants who currently sit in the eighth place on the table. Our season will end with a trip to Maroons on Saturday.
Starting XI:
Tom Ikara (GK), Douglas Muganga, Richard Ayiko, Ronald Otti, George Kasonko, Pascal Ngobi, Jerome Kirya (Richard Wandyaka 76′), Reagan Kalyowa, Emmanuel Obua, Martin Aprem
(Innocent Rwothomio 90+4′), Samuel Sekamatte (Ibrah Nsimbe 82′)
Unused substitutes:
Emmanuel Kalyowa(GK), Aggrey Madoi, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Ivan Wani.
Our penultimate game of the Uganda premier league season sees us host Vipers SC at FUFA Technical Centre.
Tuesday will be one of the season’s biggest tests for the Eastern Giants, the match is following a long spell of dry results and it’s the last kick infront of our fans this season.
A win is therefore needed to put a smile on their faces but it’s against one of the title hopefuls who need maximum points in every game they play to keep their dream of a sixth league crown alive.
Coach Alex Isabirye wept during his farewell to the club in march
Fans will also have fond memories for coach Alex Isabirye who return to FUFA technical centre for the first time but in the opposite dug out.
In his two and half years at the club, Isabirye led BUL to a historic fourth place league finish and two Uganda cup finals (winning one – which was the first silverware ever for the club in its entire history), as well as leading the club to its maiden appearance in the CAF confederations cup before leaving for Vipers in March this year.
And the clash comes at a time when the Eastern Giants are yet to find their stepping stones in the second round, not winning 12 matches in a row since the second half of the season began.
Along that run, Simeon Masaba and his men have drawn seven games and lost five, leaving us ninth with 34 points on the league table.
Our previous meeting ended in defeat for BUL, as Vipers mounted a comeback through Milton Karisa and Cromwell Rwothomio to subdue us at Kitende in December despite Karim Ndugwa giving us an early lead.
The Venoms’ 49 points put them on top of the pile but only because of a superior goal difference over KCCA and SC Villa in second and third respectively after 26 rounds.
Team News
According to assistant coach Dan Kabbale, BUL is not concerned about Vipers’ title aspirations but only concerned about beating the snake out of the visitors.
“Vipers is a big team that is even fighting for the trophy but we don’t want to know, we only want to win the game,” he said.
“BUL is improving every day as a team, and we expect to put up the best performance such that we can get the result we want.”
“To this day in the second round, we are yet to win a game but because the improvement is coming every day, we hope to get the results tomorrow.”
“However, and besides the improvement and progress we are registering, scoring still remains our challenge but we have tried our level best to see that we can score, and we hope for the best.”
Samuel Ssekamatte said;
“It is a big game but we have made so much corrections as strikers. We have tried as much as we can to improve on our shooting skills and the finishing, and I believe heading into tomorrow’s game, the shortcomings will be behind our backs.”
“We believe we shall take up the opportunities and the chances we create so that we can get the goals to win the game.”
“It has been long since we last won but there is still room to correct the wrongs.”
“Fans have been disappointed but tomorrow is our turn to do what we are required of and with their support, we are going to give our best and deliver the best results.”
Striker Samuel Ssekamatte
Head to head
The teams have faced off on 24 occasions in all competitions since 2011, producing three wins for BUL, fifteen for Vipers and six draws.
Last four encounters
January 08, 2022
Vipers SC 1-1 BUL FC
February 09, 2022
BUL FC 1-3 Vipers SC
June 12, 2022 (Uganda cup final)
Vipers SC 1-3 BUL FC
December 17, 2023
Vipers SC 2-1 BUL FC
Match Facts
From a possible 36 points in the second round, BUL have picked seven as a result of seven draws and five defeats in the last 12 games.
After stringing together five consecutive home victories, the Eastern Giants have since won once in their past eight home matches, thrashing Maroons 5-0 in mid December.
However, it’s just one loss for Simeon Masaba’s men in the last five outings, drawing the remainder of the games and keeping clean sheets in two.
BUL’s three victories against the Venoms were far in between as the first was in February 2014 (BUL 2-1 Vipers SC), the second arrived two years later in April 2016 (Vipers SC 0-1 BUL FC) before the unforgettable triumph in Uganda cup followed six years on ( Vipers 1-3 BUL).
It’s therefore nine years since the Eastern Giants won a home league fixture against Vipers, winning 2-1 in February of 2014 at Kakindu stadium.
This fixture has produced a total of 57 goals and BUL have 18 to their name since 2011.
Only six stalemates have come in the games involving the sides, and four were goalless.
Vipers have not lost in their past seven league visits to BUL, winning five and drawing two.
But they have won only four, and lost five times on the road this campaign, collecting 16 points from 13 away matches, with the run producing seven goals and eight leaked.
Their last three away matches have also ended in two defeats and one draw (against relegated Onduparaka), and all that happening without scoring a goal.
Nevertheless, they have the best defensive record in the division so far, as they have conceded 12 goals only in 26 matches.
They have also kept around 16 clean sheets.
Match Coverage
This mouthwatering meeting is live on television and all our social media channels will relay minute to minute text commentary concurrently.
BUL’s four game unbeaten run has ended with a 1-0 defeat at KCCA FC on Tuesday in a Uganda premier league clash at Philip Omondi stadium.
The only goal of the game for the hosts came on thirty five minutes from the spot.
Allan Okello picked himself up after being fouled in the box to slot past Tom Ikara to gift the Kasasiro boys the lead which they zealously held on untill the end.
It was a day to forget for BUL as second half substitute – Anthony Mayanja left the pitch on a stretcher, thirty four minutes after coming on and was replaced by Richard Wandyaka.
Barely four minutes after coming on, Emmanuel Obua missed the chance to equalize for the Eastern Giants when all through and clear at goal with his shot traveling wide.
Goalkeeper Ikara was then called to action by Charles Lwanga from a free kick following a foul from Douglas Muganga late in the game.
Consequently, the result has stretched BUL’s winless run to twelve league games, dropping to ninth in the table standings and on 34 points with two matches remaining.
Vipers SC are the visitors on Tuesday next week at FUFA technical centre before we end the season with a trip to Maroons four days later.
Starting XI:
Tom Ikara (GK), Douglas Muganga, Walter Ochora, George Kasonko, Ibrahim Kazindula (Ibrahim Mugulusi 63′),Jerome Kirya (Emmanuel Obua 85′), Hillary Onek, Reagan Kalyowa (Anthony Mayanja 46′ Richard Wandyaka 79′), Ibrahim Nsimbe (Innocent Rwothomio 63′), Martin Aprem, Ronald Otti.
The Eastern Giants host ninth placed URA at FUFA technical center in a Uganda premier league action on Saturday evening.
BUL were denied victory in the reverse fixture when George Ssenkaaba’s last gasp strike for URA cancelled out Jerome Kirya’s first half goal as the sides drew 1-1 at Nakisunga Ssaza grounds in mid-October last year.
Alex Isabirye’s men are however second on the table with 29 points from 16 matches, and they will seek to maintain their nearly faultless run at home when the tax collectors arrive in Njeru.
The two one all draws against KCCA and Blacks Power remain the only dark spots todate in BUL’s awesome showings which have produced six wins in eight home matches this season.
Their encouraging form concedes with the fact that Richard Wandyaka was on target twice against his former side when BUL defeated URA 2-0 at Kyabazinga stadium the previous time the Eastern Giants played host to Sam Timbe’s men almost a year ago.
But the tax collectors have realized a leap in form since the second round started.
Having misfired in seven consecutive matches as the opening half of the season wore on, URA have flexed their muscle to win all their opening two matches of the second round, beating Onduparaka and Express 2-0 and 1-0 respectively.
The results have seen them climb to ninth on the table with 20 points after 16 games.
Team News
The trio of goalkeeper Emmanuel Kalyowa, midfielders – Reagan Kalyowa and Pascal Ngobi missed the trip to UPDF and will continue to sit out this one because of injuries, the coach confirmed.
File photo: Manager Alex Isabirye speaking to the press
BUL were denied a win the last time the teams faced each other by a last minute goal for the tax collectors but Alex Isabirye said this time his men will use the home advantage to deliver the goods.
“It was a one all draw when we played them in the first round and since this time we are at home, we shall try to get the win although we are missing some players.”
“But we have replaced them with other players who can equally do the job.”
“Football is not easy but I see my team improving and getting better every day.”
“All the players know we need the three points and I expect we shall win.”
Midfielder Ibrahim Kazindula said;
“We drew 1-1 with them in the first round at Nakisunga and we are ready for the game tomorrow.”
“We need the maximum points and we expect to win.”
Kazindula is joined by Hillary Onek to celebrate a goal in a recent encounter
Head to Head
This will be the 23rd meeting between the sides in the league since November 2011, with the previous duels ending in three BUL FC wins, 10 URA victories and ten draws
Last four meetings
April 16, 2021
URA FC 3-1 BUL FC
November 20, 2021
URA 2-2 BUL FC
April 04, 2022
BUL FC 2-0 URA FC
October 14, 2022
URA 1-1 BUL FC
Match facts
BUL have won six and drawn twice to pick up 20 points from eight home league matches, the third best home record in the division – only behind KCCA and Vipers.
The fantastic run has stretched our unbeaten home record to 15 league matches, producing eleven wins since early February last year.
The Eastern Giants are also unbeaten in their past three league matches although they have won one game in their last five league outings.
BUL’s three wins off URA arrived with clean sheets, the similar scores of 1-0 in April of 2016 and February 2018, 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 draws.
URA have won only two games, having drawn and lost three matches apiece in eight away matches.
But after not picking a win in their final seven matches of the first round, the tax collectors have returned in the second half of the season with full force, winning two games on the bounce without leaking a goal.
Match Officials
Kavuma Vicent will take charge of the match from the center. Mafumu Mustapha and Zziwa Charles to run the lines as the first and second assistant referees in that order. Outeke Daniel will serve as the fourth official, while Ndawula Muhammed will be the referees assessor.
Match Coverage:
The best way to enjoy every bit of this game is to come to FUFA technical center. 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.
We can officially confirm Forward Dennis Mwemezi has joined the club on a two year deal from Vipers sports club.
Manager Alex poses with winger Denis Mwemezi
The contract will keep the former Venom at BUL Football Club till 2024.
The speedy winger officially becomes the 7th signing in this transfer window.
Manager Alex Isabirye is delighted bringing in a young star willing to learn more.
“ Mwemezi is a young player nurtured by one of the best clubs in the country, he gives in 100%, his ready to learn and i think he will help the club achieve it’s objectives.” Isabirye stated
After putting pen to paper Mwemezi said ” Am super excited to join one of the best and big clubs in the country, it’s the club that I think will help me grow and advance in my footballing career
“My target is to play and help the team achieve more success, trophies and at least take the club into CAF confederation cup group stages.”
The speedy winger is a product of Buganda Masaza tournament where he emerged as the top scorer in 2019 while featuring for Sese Ssaza.
The trickery winger signed for Vipers SC after an impressive season with Ssese and has spent 3 seasons, registered 8 goals and assisted 10 times for the venoms.
Mwemezi become our 7th signing and joins experienced striker Frank Kalanda, defender Ronald Otti Ocitti, Emmanuel Obua, goalkeeper Tom Ikara, forward Athony Mayanja and defender Benon Tahomera.
BUL Football Club can confirm that Emmanuel Obua has joined the club on a two year contract.
Emmanuel Obua with manager Alex
Obua scored four goals for Kyetume last season as the club won promotion back to the Uganda Premier League.
“I am excited and grateful to join BUL. I expect to win trophies here and help the team as well to move as high as possible,” he said.
Obua excited after joining BUL FC
Manager Alex Isabirye has full hope in the new left footed player, and is delighted to have him at the club
“Obua is good and one of the best young players currently. He did well in big league last season and I am happy to have him here, I know he will help the team,” Isabirye said.
The left full back featured for Blacks Power FC for three seasons before he signed for the slaughters in 2019.
BUL Football Club can confirm that Reagan Kalyowa’s contract has been extended by two years.
Youngster Reagan Kalyowa in action
The winger’s current deal was due to expire at the end of the coming season but an extension means the youngster’s stay at the Eastern Giants continues up to 2025 at the very least.
“First of all, I am overjoyed by this good gesture from the club,” he said.
“In my career, BUL is the only team that I have played for, beginning in the junior team and then through to the senior side.”
“My career has progressed steadily from here and I can only expect more development with this club – continuous shaping of my career and putting it to the unmatchable higher levels.“
“Extension of my contract is good news to the ears and to everyone. Now I can do all I can so that we move forward together and win more trophies as well.“
Reagan Kalyowa against Vipers
Since his move to BUL, Kalyowa helped the Junior team secure the Juniors league in 2019, as well as playing a key part as the senior side got the better of Vipers SC in Masindi to win the Uganda cup last season.
