Thomas Ochungo has today become an Eastern Giant with the left back signing a two-year contract.
Ochungo posing with head coach Abbey Bogere
The roving fullback joins us from Gaddafi FC, the team that brought him to the limelight.
Ochungo is one of the most promising fullbacks in the Uganda premier league with alot of potential.
He is a product of the FUFA juniors league having featured for Jinja Municipal Hippos in the first edition of the competition before his stellar performances earned him promotion to the senior side in 2017.
Ochungo first joined Gaddafi FC in 2020 when they were still in the Eastern regional league and guided them to the big league and then to the topflight, before he switched his allegiance to Busoga United in 2022.
Ochungo penning down at BUL
He re-united with the Soldier boys in 2023, scoring two goals and recording one assist last season.
BUL FC is pleased to announce the signing of striker Dickson Matama from Jinja North FC.
The striker has signed a three-year contract with the Eastern Giants and will immediately join up with his new team mates for pre-season.
Striker Dickson Mataama
Upon completing his transfer, Mataama said;
“I think BUL FC is the team that can improve me as a player. According to the way I play, it is the team I believe can elevate my game and I believe I am going to become a monster while here.”
“I think I am in the right place that can help me grow as a player, and I promise to work very hard not to disappoint. I am a kind of a striker who likes scoring goals, and I hope to hit at least 15 goals next season.”
Head coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere said;
“I have been following him, I have been watching him in the big league and I realised he can score. He is so fast, he is that kind of striker who can’t fail to score. If given three, four or five chances, Mataama can convert at least three of them if given the opportunity to play.”
“So if he can produce goals in a difficult competition like big league, how about in the Uganda premier league where he even has the privilege to partner with quality players? I think he will give us plenty of goals.”
“We only had Alex Kitata on the striking line last season and we struggled whenever he was injured. This time, we have opted to get a partner who can ably step in to help Kitata in case of anything and I think we are not going to face the same challenges we faced in the previous season.”
Coach Abbey unveiling Dickson Mataama
Mataama is a product of Bugembe Youth Academy. He joined lower division club Dream Killer FC in 2019 before he was captured by Bugiri De School in 2020.
In 2022, he was transferred to Jinja North while still in the Eastern regional league and guided the club to the FUFA big league where he scored 13 goals across the two seasons he featured in the second tier.
He also played for Butembe County in the Busoga Masaza Cup in 2022.
He will now begin the next chapter of his career with the Eastern Giants. Welcome to BUL FC, Ma – Taa – Ma!
Isaac Wagoina has finalized his move from Express to BUL FC. The forward joins the club after penning a two-year contract which keeps him at the Eastern Giants until 2026.
Striker Isaac Wagoina
Wagoina is widely regarded as one of Uganda’s best strikers apparently and arrives at the club with a formidable goal scoring reputation following an impressive spell at Express last season.
The threat he causes in the final third is underlined by his 17 goal involvements, including 14 goals and three assists in 29 games he played as Express finished 12th last season.
He was also the top scorer of the 2023 FUFA Drum tournament with seven goals while playing for Busoga Province.
After sealing the move, Wagoina said;
“Thank you for welcoming me to BUL FC. It was my decision to join this club, I was not coerced.”
“I looked at all the teams that were chasing my signature and BUL was the best amongst all. Arguably, it is the biggest team in Uganda.”
“I looked at its ambitions, ability and possibility of winning great things and all the boxes were just ticking.”
“I then decided as a player that this is the right team I should play for. I believe it is the team that will improve me as a player and possibly also take me to the national team ranks.”
“Therefore, I have come here to work hard and also join forces with my fellow players to see that the team achieves its goals.”
He previously played for Iganga Young, Busoga United and Busei United before switching to Express at the start of last season.
Everyone at BUL FC welcomes Wagoina to the Club and wishes him the best of luck throughout his time here.
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.
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 welcome KCCA FC to the FUFA technical centre on Saturday afternoon in the Stanbic Uganda Cup quarter finals, with both sides entering the game following convincing wins almost a week ago.
The Eastern Giants who had not won in four outings beat Wakiso Giants 3-0 to get back to winning ways last Saturday.
The victory gave Abbey Kikomeko’s men a life line in the title chase and this cup competition provides a double front on which to fight for a silverware this season.
BUL made it to this stage with three super wins against Simba FC (3-0), Kyambura Rastas (1-0) and Express (4-1 on penalties).
KCCA FC reached the quarter finals thanks to wins over Admin/Bugisu United (2-0), Jinja North United (2-0) and URA FC (1-0) and is yet to concede a goal in the competition.
Both sides exited the cup at this level last season but this time one will have a chance to play in the semi finals.
BUL have already enjoyed success over KCCA this season, beating them 1-0 at FUFA technical centre in September last year before they mustered a goalless draw in February at Lugogo.
But the visitors have recorded five wins in a row from their last five matches, keeping three clean sheets.
Team News
The coach confirmed the club has a clean bill of health and has no single suspension to contend with.
His remarks;
“We played KCCA twice in the league, we won them 1-0 here and then played out a 0-0 draw at Lugogo. But we are now playing them in the Uganda Cup which is a totally different competition,” Abbey Kikomeko said.
“All I know is they’re going to come full force, wanting to qualify for the next level.”
“But we also want to qualify for the semi finals. We lost at the quarter finals last season. This time we want to perform better and if possible, we March up to the finals or even win the trophy.”
“Our target for this edition is nothing short of the trophy. Whatever competition we play in and it has a trophy, it ultimately becomes our target.”
Captain George Kasonko said;
“There are no second chances at this level of the competition. We should handle each game at a time and this moment we are focusing on the game with KCCA.”
“If we are to meet some of the goals for the club this season , we should win it.”
“So we are not just going to play KCCA, but we are looking at beating them.”
BUL FC return to the Uganda Cup action at FUFA technical centre in Njeru on Sunday evening when we host ten time winners Express FC in a round of 16 showdown. It is the first home fixture for the Eastern Giants in this competition this term.
While BUL were held to a 0-0 draw by Maroons in the Uganda premier league the last time out, Alex Isabirye’s troops rejoiced in a 3-1 beating of UPDF on Friday.
The Eastern Giants will however put the stalemate behind them, and head into this Uganda Cup fixture with hopes of making it to the quarter finals, having made it here by knocking Simba (3-0) and Kyambura Rastas (1-0) out in the previous rounds.
Express made it to the last 16 after defeating MYDA 1-0 in the round of 64. Their clash at the round of 32 might have ended 1-1 against Rwenzori Lions, but they did get the job done when it mattered most, winning 8-7 on penalties.
The teams have already thrown jabs against each other this season, albeit in the UPL, with the sides drawing 1-1 in November last year at Wankulukuku where BUL had to die a little to earn a point after two defenders – Banon Tahomera and Walter Ochora were sent off in the second half of the contest.
They equally shared the previous two meetings in Uganda Cup. The first face off was in March 2019 and The Red Eagles won 1-0 in the semi final bout at Wankulukuku before the Eastern Giants revenged in 2021 at the same stage of the competition, with the same score at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru on course to reaching the first cup final.
Team News
Coach Abby confirmed he will not have Reagan Kalyowa and Douglas Muganga who are out due to injury while Hillary Onek will miss due to accumulated yellow cards.
Express is a top flight team and I believe it will be hard game but we are going to fight tooth and nail to win the game and we storm quarter final.
We are playing our former coach who won stanbic Uganda cup with BUL but right now its me at BUL and I also want to win this same trophy with this team, says Coach Abby
The Eastern Giants welcome URA to FUFA Technical Centre on Tuesday in the Uganda premier league, match day six at 4pm (EAT).
Hillary Onek battling for the ball with the opponent
Our winning run was extended to five games following last week’s 2-1 away victory over sixteen time league champions – SC Villa.
It was quite the contrast for URA; they drew 1-1 against Maroons at the prisons grounds. Having got a late lead, the tax collectors were close to bagging all the three points but were denied at last when the home side equalized in added time.
BUL is currently second on the log after enjoying a strong start to the season – with five wins in as many games, beating Bright Stars, KCCA, Arua Hill, Maroons and SC Villa to count 15 points, same as leaders Kitara. Of the five victories, three have come away from home.
Winger Martin Aprem in action
Our most recent encounter came in March 2023 where we lost 1-0 in Njeru.
Heading into the game, three places and six points separate the sides. URA is sixth with nine points after winning only two games.
This will be the 25th meeting between the two teams.
Team News
Striker Joel Madondo missed the SC Villa game due to injury and remains on the sidelines even against URA. The rest of the squad is available and ready for contention.
About tomorrow’s clash, head coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere said that he expects a tough challenge from the visitors but he echoed BUL plays to win, not to lose and that our current exciting form is not a fluke nor just a one off.
“The good form we are having is not a mere happening, we have fought for it and we shall continue to fight hard to see that we maintain it. The boys are in high gear as every game we play is a final, that is why we’re still unbeaten – we don’t look at losing – we play to win,” he said.
“We won against SC Villa in our last match, a game that wasn’t easy. Now we play URA who drew in their last outing.”
“It is going to be a tough game against us though. We played and even defeated them in the super eight final but this time we are going to play competing for points and I think we are going to put in whatever it takes to get the three points given that we are at home.”
“We shall fight hard to get the points as much as they will also want them.”
BUL FC starting 1X that won against URA in the FUFA super 8 finals
Assistant captain Joel Mutakubwa;
“We know they are not an easy side but we are going to play under instructions and we might use the home advantage because we don’t want to lose any game at home,”
“Basically the players are in good shape and willing to give their best. But we are going to take it like any other game. We have ninety minutes to play for, and with the instructions of the coach, we shall certainly get the maximum points.”
Head to Head
Twenty four (24) matches have been played between the sides in the league since November 2011, with the duels ending in three BUL FC wins, 11 URA victories and ten draws
Last four meetings
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
March 04, 2023
BUL FC 0-1 URA FC
Match facts
BUL have won all their opening five matches this season to collect 15 points, a record only matched by Kitara.
The fantastic run has stretched our unbeaten run to seven league matches, stretching back to last season.
Abbey Kikomeko’s men have scored nine (9) goals at the time; only NEC (10) and Kitara (11) have scored more.
From the past four meetings between the sides, the Eastern Giants have lost only one to URA, the 1-0 home loss in March.
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 stalemates.
URA has won two games, and drawn three of their five outings, and they are one of the five teams that are still unbeaten.
The tax collectors have also drawn all their three away matches this term – against; UPDF (0-0), Bright Stars (1-1) and Maroons (1-1).
All games involving the visitors this season have not had more than two goals.
Match Officials
Kasalirwe Lucky will take charge of the match from the center. Osire Juma and Kateregga Ashraf to run the lines as the first and second assistant referees in that order. Duula Joshua will serve as the fourth official, while Tomusange Ali will be the referee 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.
BUL FC has qualified for the FUFA Super Eight final. After a one all stalemate in regular time, The Eastern Giants won 6-5 on penalties on a Monday evening at FUFA Technical Centre.
Joel Mutakubwa marked his debut with a classy and outstanding performance; he was big in between the uprights for BUL as he scored one and saved two SC Villa’s efforts to win it all for the Eastern Giants.
The game closed out the ninety minutes of regulation play with both sides tied 1-1.
The even match-up almost continued into the spot kicks, during which Douglas Muganga missed his shot as SC Villa’s Ronald Ssekiganda and Kenneth Ssemakula saw theirs comfortably saved by Mutakubwa.
Samuel Ssekamatte was the first to plant his into the net for BUL, Benon Tahomera and Ronald Otti also converted with great composure afore to Muganga clipping his out.
Mutakubwa restored hope when he guided the ball beyond his fellow goalkeeper before Lawrence Tezikya and Ibrahim Mugulusi ensured BUL wins.
SC Villa got their goals through Umar Lutalo, Edward Masembe, Hamza Mulambuzi, Patrick Kakande and Hakim Mutebi.
The final score was 6-5
Monday’s match was BUL’s first semi final in this competition, with all the previous attempts ending prematurely.
Our goalkeeper made some big saves, including stopping Patrick Kakande’s stinging hard shot late in the second half. He had already denied Ivan Bogere and Lutalo in the opening stages of the game.
But he was beaten by former Eastern Giant Peter Onzima. The wide man picked a pass from Ivan Bogere to curl beyond his reach.
But the Jogoo’s celebrations were cut short when Ssekamatte sent Meddie Kibirige the wrong way from the penalty mark three minutes to the break after Simon Mukisa fell Reagan Kalyowa in the box.
By midway the second half, the clash became more of an end to end affair as they all looked to throw the final winning jab. Chances were created but they all struggled to finish.
Nicholas Mwere blazed a free kick over the bar, Ssekamatte then skewed another from inside the box as the game wore on.
The final will be played on 3rd September 2023 at a venue that will be communicated in the due course.
Starting XI:
Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Douglas Muganga, Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Nicholas Mwere, Ibrahim Kazindula (Ibrahim Mugulusi 56′), George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya (Lawrence Tezikya 72′), Martin Aprem (Joel Madondo 56′), Samuel Sekamatte, Reagan Kalyowa (Benon Tahomera 90+5′)
Unused substitutes:
Saidi Keni (GK), Alex Kitata, Vincent Zziwa, Emmanuel Obua, Shafiq Kwikiriza.
Head-to-head
The victory gave Abbey Kikomeko’s men a life line in the title chase and this cup competition provides a double front on which to fight for a silverware this season.
BUL have already enjoyed success over KCCA this season, beating them 1-0 at FUFA technical centre in September last year before they mustered a goalless draw in February at Lugogo.
Express made it to the last 16 after defeating MYDA 1-0 in the round of 64. Their clash at the round of 32 might have ended 1-1 against Rwenzori Lions, but they did get the job done when it mattered most, winning 8-7 on penalties.
Team News
