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REWIND: LAST FOUR ENCOUNTERS WITH URA FC

This weekend, BUL Football Club, the Uganda Premier League’s third ranked team, play away to URA FC, the top-flight’s fourth lowest ranked side at the Arena of Visions. It is BUL FC’s fifth game of the season, and the Eastern Giants are plotting for a third win on the bounce against the Tax collectors. This will be the 21st league match between the two sides and the previous ones have been a sort of crackers and close contests. The Eastern Giants are in fine form though, winning three times from their four league outings this season, and before their promising duel with URA FC on Saturday, we take a review of the last four league encounters between the two teams.

October 05, 2019

URA FC 1-1 BUL FC – Namboole

Just like it is this time, the tax collectors played home first in the 2019/20 campaign in respect to our clashes that season, and the game finished in a one all stalemate.

Shafik Kagimu swung the game to URA’s side early enough with a simple finish eleven minutes off the clock, but Deogracious Ojok scored a fabulous free-kick one minute from the end of the game to deny them maximum points at Namboole.

URA worked out numerous scoring chances and could have improved their score via Brian Majwega, Cromwell Rwothomio and Hassan Kalega but Eric Kibowa managed well every effort that came his way in the posts.

Before Ojok’s goal, BUL FC nearly equalised when Richard Wandyaka sent a rocket from range, however, James Alitho was equal to its strength.

Finally, the vital goal arrived on the 89th minute.Ojok struck a free-kick from the edge of the box to restore parity for the Eastern Giants.

BUL FC Starting XI

Eric Kibowa (G.K), Denis Okot, Richard Matovu, Wilson Makuro, Musa Walangalira, Godfrey Akol, Hamis Tibita, Charles Ssebutinde, Deogracious Ojok, Richard Wandyaka, Robert Mukongotya

Substitutes

Abdul Kimera, Farouk Banga, Jimmy Kulaba, Charles Sempa, Musa Esenu, Fredson Gwoto, Thomas Kabale

January 15, 2020

BUL FC 1-3 URA FC – FUFA Technical Center

Cromwell Rwothomio scored a brace while Saidi Kyeyune netted the other as URA reigned supreme in Njeru. Hamis Tabita scored the solitary goal for the Eastern Giants on that evening.

Both sides went toe to toe in the early exchanges but Kyeyune broke the deadlock to give URA the lead before the break.

After the interval, Rwothomio put the tax collectors 2-0 up, a minute from restart.

Tibita gave BUL a ray of hope when he halved the deficit on the 75th minute,however, URA restored their two-goal cushion after Rothomio completed his brace seven minutes from time.

BUL FC Starting XI:

Sanon Mulabi(G.K), Dennis Okot, Richard Matovu, Walter Ochora, Musa Walangarira, Jimmy Kulaba, Simon Peter OKetch, Charles Ssebutinde, Musa Esenu, Vitalis Tabu, James Otim.

December 15, 2020

BUL FC 0-2 URA FC – Kyabazinga Stadium

It was a bad day in office again for BUL FC against the tax collectors. Stephen Mukwala scored a late brace as URA edged the Eastern Giants at Kyabazinga Stadium in the presence of former Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry.

The opening period of this clash settled all square with either team not finding the net.

Mukwala netted the first goal in the 77th minute off Joackim Ojera’s cross to give an advantage to the visitors.

While BUL was still on the quest for an equaliser, he put the game far from their reach with another superb finish, Ojera assisted again on the stroke of full time.

BUL FC Starting XI

Abdul Kimera (GK), Denis Okot, Jimmy Kulaba, Walter Ochora, Godfrey Akol, Richard Wandyaka, Peter Onzima, Fredson Gwoto, Musa Esenu, Robert Mukongotya, Fredrick Kigozi

Substitutes:

Musa Walangalira, Vitalis Tabu, Martin Aprem, Charles Sempa, Deogracious Ojok, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Elvis Kibaale

April 16, 2021

URA FC 3-1 BUL FC – Arena of Visions

In our last face off, the Eastern Giants played to a 1-3 loss away to URA FC at the Arena of Visions on matchday 18 last season.

Brian Majwega opened the scoring for the Tax men via a free kick after Brian Nkuubi was fouled outside the box on 30 minutes.

Two minutes later, Walter Ochora headed home from a corner to level the game before the break.

After the interval, Shafik Kagimu restored their lead in the 57th minute.

Cromwell Rwothomio then put the game beyond BUL FC’s reach with a tap in 16 minutes to full time.

BUL FC Starting XI: Sanon Mulabi(G.K),Ramathan Dudu, Vitalis Tabu,Kenneth Ssemakula,Walter Ochola,Godfrey Akol, Fredson Gwoto, Simon Peter Oketch, Robert Mukongotya,Joseph Ssemujju, Deogracious Ojok.

November 20, 2021

URA FC ?-? BUL FC – Arena of Visions.

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC SCOOP WIN OFF CATERPILLARS

The Eastern Giants produced an impressive performance to defeat Onduparaka FC 2-0 in their Uganda Premier League clash at Green Light Stadium on Saturday evening.

Martin Aprem was the king of the show in front of goal with a brace. The forward opened the scoring after seventeen minutes and doubled his tally a quarter hour after the restart with a lovely sole effort.

This win moves BUL FC to 4th on the table, level with Mbarara City and Wakiso Giants on six points.

Team manager – Alex Isabirye was animated as a result of the crucial win and is already focusing on the next game.

***^{Assistant coach Richard Bakabulindi on right passing on tactics to defender Richard Ayiko}***

“We want to compete this season, and these three points off Onduparaka put us in a better position to rub shoulders with the leading pack,” he said.

“I have a good team. I will adequately prepare my players to win our next game on Tuesday.”

BUL is next in action against Mbarara City on November 2 at Kyabazinga stadium.

Brace hero – Aprem was voted man of the match after his classic display.

“I am delighted because of this win and the goals I have scored. They have come as a result of team work,” he said.

Said Keni kept the Caterpillars at bay with a string of fine saves to allow the Eastern Giants record their second win of the season, and a consecutive third over the hosts.

Muhammad Shaban hit the woodwork.

Ivan Wani was given his first start at BUL FC following his debut in the loss to Express. Dickson Nkwamanya and Pascal Ngobi were the other players who also made it to starting line up for the first time after coming on as substitutes in our previous games. Ibrahim Mugulusi and Richard Wandyaka settled for the bench. Ibrahim Nsimbe and Hillary Onek were also handed their debuts.

BUL FC Starting XI

Said Keni (18), Aggrey Madoi (03), Douglas Muganga (12), Richard Ayiko (15), George Kasonko (45), Pascal Ngobi (16), Umar Mukobe (19), Ivan Wani (25), Jerome Kiirya (17), Dickson Nuwamanya (09), Martin Aprem (24)

Substitutes

Emmanuel Kalyowa (01), Owen Mukisa (10), Hillary Onek (33), Richard Wandyaka (13), Ibrahim Nsimbe (26), Musa Esenu (20), Ibrahim Mugulusi (08)

STATEMENT: CHAIRMAN THANKS FANS FOR STICKING BY THE TEAM

BUL Football Club Chairman – Ronald Barente has thanked fans for their immense support to the team and hopes for more of the same when the Eastern Giants return to action next season.

Below is his message!

Dear BUL FC Family,

Let me start my missive by saying I hope you and your family are well after what was a challenging season and one that called for great resilience.

I want to thank you all for your unwavering support to BUL FC despite having to watch much of it from afar distance due to the effects of the pandemic.

Last season, for many reasons, we did not meet our expectations on the pitch since we finished in a disappointing 11th position in the league but your support never weathered despite the poor results.

The team came close to winning a silverware after reaching the Stambic Uganda Cup final for the first time in our history, however, we were beaten to the title by Vipers SC.

Obviously, we didn’t enjoy the result but we shall always cherish the moment of reaching the first ever final.

We have a club that really cares about being successful starting with the Chairman, please stick with us through this unfortunate period.

I therefore, kindly ask that we move on and respond by upping the level of support for the team as they really need us at the moment. There was no lack of effort and sooner or later, we shall be back on the rails again.

Central to our plans and ambitions is to build a successful football team, we have thus, invested a lot in new players and technical staff.

The squad that we have assembled is capable of competing for honours and will dominate Ugandan football for so many years and seasons to come.

I urge everyone to get behind the team as we seek to start the new season strongly.

I want to thank coach Daniel Kabale, the new team manager Alex Isabirye, and all the coaches who stepped in to lead the team through to the end of the season and I also thank our players who behaved professionally and continued to perform to the maximum during the time of change.

I also thank all our staff for their commitment and hard work during the season.

Yours

Ronald Barente

Chairman

NEWS: SEMUJJU SETS CUP FINAL AS ORIGINATOR FOR MORE SUCCESS

Match: Vipers SC Vs BUL FC

Competition: Stanbic Uganda Cup final

Venue: FUFA Technical Centre – Njeru

Date: September 26, 2021

Kick off time: 15Hrs00

The game will be live on UBC Tv

**^{Semujju in red and yellow during semi final match}**

Forward, Joseph Semujju has called upon the Eastern Giants to roast Vipers SC on Sunday. The 24year old believes victory over his former club will trigger more success for BUL Football Club in the seasons to follow.

“It is time to win a trophy for BUL FC,” he noted.

“Let us give all we can on Sunday.”

“Victory over the venoms will set our ground running and may determine how the team may perform next season,” he continued.

Odds were against us in the semi final as is the case with next encounter but Semujju has said the team is more fired up than burning coal.

“They labelled us underdogs against Express but we surprised them and we are going to shock them again.”

“We are now more spirited and more energized.”

The winger also said that winning Uganda Cup will mean a lot to the players and BUL FC as a team. He also revealed he was excited to play a final against a team he turned out for between 2015 and 2017.

NEWS: BUL FC KEEN TO FRY VIPERS

Match: Vipers SC Vs BUL FC

Competition: Stanbic Uganda Cup final

Venue: FUFA Technical Centre – Njeru

Kick off time: 15Hrs00

The game will be live on UBC Tv

***Manager Alex Isabirye speaking to players during training***

BUL Football Club set up a date with Vipers SC for Sunday’s Stanbic Uganda Cup final after knocking out Express on Thursday afternoon.

The Eastern Giants will be playing their first major final in history and they are keen to win the cup.

While addressing members of the sports media during FUFA’s special press conference at their headquarters on Friday morning, Alex Isabirye is confident his guard will complete the task at hand.

Manager Alex Isabirye said; “My team is very ready waiting to play the final,” .

“I have confidence in my players; we shall win the trophy.”

The team has only two days to rest as well as working out a plan to defang the opponents but Isabirye has discarded fears of fatigue and promised nothing short of victory.

“My opponent has had enough time to rest and even monitor our team play but that will not worry me at all.”

“Finals are won not played, so we are going to win the game on Sunday.”

“If we can beat the regional champion Express FC, what about tiring Vipers!” Isabirye wondered

The Eastern Giants camp has been beefed up by the return of team captain Walter Ochora and forward Hamis Tibita.

Endowed Simon Peter Oketch and anchorman Richard Wandyaka will also join the fight on Sunday after sitting out of the Thursday fixture due to suspension.

NEWS: BUL FC, ESENU RENEW MARRIAGE

BUL Football Club is elated to reveal that Musa Esenu has signed a one-year contract extension with the Eastern Giants, keeping him at the club until June 2022.

Simba, as he is known amongst his peers, was out of contract after the previous one expired at the end of last season.

The forward joined BUL FC in 2019 from KCCA FC and has been very instrumental for the team since. He scored four league goals last season.

OFFICIAL: BUL FC SIGN NEW GOAL KEEPER

^{Club CEO Ahmed Kongola (left) while unveiling goalkeeper Saidi Keni}

BUL Football Club has acquired the services of custodian Saidi Keni from SC Villa.

The shot-stopper has signed a two-year-contract that will keep him at the Eastern Giants for at least up to 2023.

Keni, 22, said: “I am excited to join BUL FC. The club has big ambitions for now and the future and that prompted me to join the team.”

“I am ready to give in all I can so that we achieve all what is there to achieve as a team.”

“Coach Alex Isabirye is one of the best coaches in the country and I have always desired to learn from him, and I know under his tutelage, my career will not remain the same.”

We welcome Keni to the Eastern Giants

**^{Team manager Alex Isabirye hands a ball to Keni during the unveiling ceremon}**y

OFFICIAL: ISABIRYE AGREES TO NEW CONTRACT

***^{Manager Alex Isabirye reading through the contract before signing}***

BUL Football Club is proud to announce coach Alex Isabirye as our new team manager on a permanent deal through to at least 2023.

The coach has signed a two-year contract with us.

His backroom staff will comprise of Richard Kasule Bakabulindi, Daniel Kabale and James Magala as first, second and third assistant coach in that order.

Noah Kasule will serve as the fitness coach of the team, Kenneth Magada as the goal keeping coach while club legend Patrick Asiku Crespo will take up the chief scouting role.

***^{Manager Alex Isabirye displays BUL FC away kit}***

Isabirye said, ” I am happy to sign a permanent contract with BUL FC for the second time. I was here for one season and matched away because the club and I had different ambitions then, but fortunately for this time, our objectives are the same.”
“I have come to stay now that we are reading from the same page and I will work so hard to see that this togetherness yields success.”
“I have won trophies at my previous clubs. We expect to win matches during my stay here and if we do so, trophies will come.”

The manager oversaw ten games last season after joining the team in early may on brief terms, and guided the Eastern Giants to eleventh place and a semifinals slot in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League and Stanbic Uganda Cup respectively.

**^{In the middle: Assistant coach Richard Kasule Bakabulibdi}**

BUL FC management has issued maximum commitment to supporting the team.

“We have unveiled new staff that will be headed by the new team manager, Alex Isabirye and with the backroom staff he has keenly selected, we expect BUL FC to perform well unlike last season where we struggled a lot. The Management pledges total support to the team to make sure that we win something,” club chief executive officer – Ahmed Kongola said

Isabirye replaces Arthur Kyesimira and this is his second stint at the Eastern Giants after serving the club between 2015 and 2016 in a similar role.

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC EASE PAST KIGEZI HOME BOYZ TO REACH QUARTER FINALS

Musa Esenu and youngster Owen Mukisa both on target
This is BUL’s fourth consecutive win in Stanbic Uganda cup
Next tie is against Proline FC this Friday
Joseph Semujju misses a penalty
BUL qualifies to quarter final on 4-2 goal aggregate

BUL Football Club secured a 1-2 victory at Kigezi Home Boyz FC this Tuesday evening at Kabale Municipal Stadium as the team continued with a winning form in the Stanbic Uganda Cup. This is the fourth victory in a row in this season’s competition.

Musa Esenu and youngster Owen Mukisa were all on target for Alex Isabirye’s side who turned in a merciless second-half performance to race into that sweet victory.

Jonathan Mutesa opened Kigezi Home Boyz scoring account with a header past BUL defenders towards the end of first half but Musa Esenu equalised to restore parity for the visitors just after the half time break. Esenu replaced Deogracious Ojok at half time.

Mukisa Owen, who had replaced Simon Peter Oketch thirty nine minutes into second half, scored a nice close header to give the soccer giants a deserved lead again just two minutes after his introduction.

Forward Joseph Ssemujju earlier on missed a penalty following a foul play on him in the forbidden area by Henry Mugoya.

This was BUL FC’s Uganda cup fourth win this season and second away from home. The team has now won all the four games in the competition so far.

Their next Uganda Cup engagement will be away to Proline FC on Friday May 28, at Mtn Omondi Stadium in Kampala City.

BUL FC Starting XI Against Kigezi Home Boyz FC

Sanon Mulabi, Denis Okot Oola, Fredson Gwoto, Walter Ochora, Musa Walangalira, Ramadan Dudu, Richard Wandyaka, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Joseph Ssemujju, Simon Peter Oketch, Deogracious Ojok,

Substitutes

Davis Mutebi (GK), Godfrey Akol, Kenneth Ssemakula, Musa Esenu, Thomas Kabbale, Robert Mukongotya and Owen Mukisa

BUL FC SUFFER URA DEFEAT IN NDEJJE

^{Walter Ochora (M) celebrates with teammates after scoring}

Despite Walter Ochara’s levelling goal in the first half, BUL Football Club were beaten 3-1 by URA FC in a Uganda Premier League match at the Arena of Visions on Friday afternoon.

BUL equalized before the break as Ochora powered in a fantastic header to register his first goal of the season and his second in BUL FC’s career, but the tax collectors came on top in the second half with goals from Shafik Kagimu and Cromwell Rwothomio to take a 3-1 victory.

^{Semujju of BUL FC dribbles past oppoent}

It was a positive start by the Eastern Giants, but the hosts were also showing their quality at the other end and found their way through for the opener on 30 minutes

After Steven Mukwala’s goal bound shot was saved by Sanon Mulabi, URA took the lead at the half hour mark through Brian Majwega’s free kick from twenty five yards.

Strong and resolute as always, Ochora struck a fine goal off Vitalis Tabu well-taken corner kick to restore parity for the Eastern Giants three minutes later.

^{BUL forward Robert Mukonghotya takes on Majwega}

The hosts upped the tempo at the start of the second half and they regained the lead on 57 minutes when Kagimu slotted home with a long ranger propelled shot. They then sealed the game with a third goal with 17 minutes remaining, substitute Ibrahim Dada with the pass off goal keeper’s mistake which Rwothomio comfortably put into an empty net.

The result leaves BUL FC at 21 points from 18 games.

The next task in the league will be against UPDF FC on Tuesday April 20 at Kyabazinga stadium.

Starting XI Against URA FC

Sanon Mulabi, Robert Mukongotya, Kenneth Ssemakula, Walter Ochora, Ramathan Dudu, Godfrey Akol, Fredson Gwoto, Deogracious Ojok, Joseph Ssemujju, Simon Peter Oketch, Vitalis Tabu

Substitution

Abdul Kimera, Fredrick Kigozi, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Peter Onzima, Paul Mbazira, Jimmy Kulaba, Martin Aprem