Daily Monitor - BUL FC

BUL SIGNS DICKSON MATAAMA

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.

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.”

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!

WAGOINA COMPLETES TRANSFER TO BUL FC

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.

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 COMPLETES SIGNING OF BAKALI MAGUMBA

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.

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.

He began his career as a goalkeeper at Tahweed Academy before converting into a defender.

RONALD OTTI LEAVES BUL FC

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.

Everyone at BUL FC appreciates his contribution to the team and wishes him the very best at his new club. Thank you.

MATCH PREVIEW; BUL FC VS VIPER SC

May 1st 2024

Namboole stadium

Uganda Premier League

BUL FC Vs Vipers SC

Kick-off: 4pm

***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.

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.

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.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV.

MATCH PREVIEW; BUL VS KCCA

Saturday 13th April 2024

Uganda Cup Quarter Finals

FUFA Technical Centre

BUL FC Vs KCCA FC

Kick-off: 3pm.

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.”

MATCH PREVIEW; BUL FC VS EXPRESS FC

Sunday 3rd March 2024

Stanbic Uganda Cup

BUL FC Vs Express

FUFA Technical Centre

Kick-off: 4pm.

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

MATCH PREVIEW: UPDF VS BUL FC

Thursday 9th November 2023

Uganda Premier League

Bombo Military Grounds

UPDF Vs BUL FC

Kickoff: 4pm

BUL FC look to consolidate their grip at the top of the Uganda premier league on Thursday evening as they make the trip to Bombo military grounds to take on UPDF FC

Highly impressive early-season form sees the Eastern Giants boast with six wins in as many games – their aim now is to preserve the unbeaten run by securing consecutive victories.

The Eastern Giants sit pretty well in the first place on the Uganda premier league log with 18 points having not dropped even a point in six rounds.

Abbey Kikomeko’s men convincingly beat Bright Stars, KCCA, Arua Hill, Maroons and SC Villa. They also picked points against a boggy URA side last time out. Therefore, every game is there for the taking for BUL.

In their way however lie a bewildering army side that is eager to get up and running in front of its own fans and is desperate to continue its renaissance.

After losing three consecutive games, UPDF recently drew with Express and beat Busoga United in their immediate last two games.

They currently occupy 12th position in the table with one win, two draws and three defeats from their six games played so far. They come into the encounter with five points, one and two ahead of Wakiso Giants and Bright Stars respectively.

It was a one all draw when the sides last met in April. This will be the 13th meeting between the two teams.

TEAM NEWS:

Midfielder Pascal Ngobi will miss the clash after sustaining an injury against URA in the dieing minutes of the game but the rest of the squad are available for selection.

‘‘ UPDF is a strong side, we haven’t won in Bombo in the last 4 outings but we are going there to change those numbers this time. We are building on our current form to get maximum points from Bombo. The boys are in good shape, we have prepared them well and they are ready to deliver tomorrow’’, assistant coach James Magala.

Captain George Kasonko ” Our last six wins are not news anymore everybody knows we won them, our focus now is on tomorrow’s game against UPDF that is very crucial to us and we going to play it as a final . We are in good shape and ready to battle for maximum points. We call upon our fans to come support us tomorrow and promise to get maximum points for them”

Head to Head

P12 W6 D2 L4

Twelve matches have been played between these teams, producing six wins for BUL, four for UPDF and two draws since 2015.

Previous four encounters

December 23, 2021

UPDF FC 1-1 BUL FC

March 01, 2022

BUL 5-1 UPDF FC

October 8, 2022

BUL FC 3-1 UPDF FC

February 21, 2023

UPDF 1-1 BUL FC

Match Facts

BUL have won all their past six games, including the three away matches this season, scoring ten (10) goals and conceding two in the process with a maximum of 15 points collected.

From the six games, they have managed four clean sheets, against – Bright Stars, KCCA FC, Maroons and URA FC.

Eight of BUL’s ten goals have come in the first half.

The Eastern Giants are unbeaten in the last five meetings with UPDF, winning three matches and drawing two, with 14 goals scored and seven conceded during the same run.

BUL’s last loss to UPDF occurred three years ago when they were defeated by the army side 2-1 in December of 2020. The Eastern Giants’ first half lead through Joseph Ssemujju was overturned by Dickens Okwir’s late double for UPDF.

However, BUL has never won a league match away at UPDF. In six trips to Bombo, the Eastern Giants have drawn two games and lost three but they were beneficiaries of a FUFA Disciplinary Committee Panel’s decision to overturn UPDF’s 1-0 victory over BUL, and awarded three points and three goals to the Eastern Giants after the army team used Sulaiman Majanjalo who was ineligible to play in that game of April 2018.

Injured Pascal Ngobi celebrating with striker Lawrence Tezikya

This fixture has produced a winner in ten of their past twelve (12) meetings, and 38 goals have been scored across the games, with BUL FC having a lion’s share of 23.

The two stalemates in this fixture ended 1-1; and in both, BUL scored first. Musa Esenu’s goal in the 12th minute was cancelled out by Ivan Ahimbisibwe for UPDF in December 2021 while Frank Yiga equalized for the army side after Hillary Onek had put BUL ahead last season in February 2023.

UPDF have won three times in six home league games against BUL since 2015. They won 3-1 in February 2016, 2-0 in February 2017 and 2-1 in December 2021.

This campaign, the hosts have won one game, drawn two and lost three to pick five points from six matches.

And they have failed to win all their three homes games – drew against Express and URA, and lost 0-2 against Wakiso Giants in September.

They have kept two clean sheets so far – against URA FC and Busoga United.

But they have also failed to score in four of their six outings.

They have scored three goals this term and conceded six across all the matches.

Two of their three goals have come in the second half. However, their visitors have conceded one goal only after the break.

Match Coverage:

Our social media channels will relay minute to minute text commentary during play time. A match report and highlights will follow shortly.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL VS URA

Tuesday October 31, 2023

Uganda Premier League

FUFA Technical Centre

BUL FC Vs URA FC

Kick-off: 4PM

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.

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.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: Bulfc1

You Tube: BUL FC TV

NEWS: BUL FC LET GO OF EIGHT

We can confirm that we have released a host of eight players. Amongst them are two players who gallantly served us on loan last season. These are; forward Anwar Ntege and midfielder Elvis Kibbale who have returned to their respective parent clubs – URA FC and Edgars FC.

Charles Sempa, winger Robert Mukongotya and striker Deogracious Ojok also make list of those that have walked away from the club.

Experienced defenders; Dennis Okot Oola, Jimmy Kulaba and as well Musa Walangalira have also been freed.

The six leave after their contracts with the club ran down.

We thank all the aforementioned players for having served the club excellently and therefore, we wish them the best in their future endeavors.