BUL Football Club is proud to announce the signing of Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa from Gaddafi FC.
Head coach Abbey Kikomeko (left) with Joel Mutakubwa alias Varma (Right)
The 29-year-old goalkeeper, who lifted the CECAFA Kagame Cup with Express FC in 2021, has signed a two year contract with the club.
For his eye catching performances at the local scene, Mutakubwa was summoned for the Uganda Cranes duty at the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) early this year in Algeria.
He has previously played for Busoga United (Kirinya Jinja SS), Kyetume, Tooro United and Express in the Uganda Premier League.
Three players have been given the green light to leave the Eastern Giants after their employment contracts with the club expired.
They include; Richard Wandyaka, Ivan Wani and goalkeeper Emmanuel Kalyowa.
Wandyaka has been one of the longest serving players at the club, playing six seasons for the Eastern Giants since joining in 2017 from URA. Last season, he scored four goals and made a couple of assists.
Goalkeeper Kalyowa first played for the club between 2015 and 2017 before he returned in 2021.
Wani also joined us two years ago, scoring one goal in the just concluded campaign.
The three played a key role in our fantastic run in the 2021/22 season, leading the club to the famous Uganda cup title and a fourth place league finish.
We thank them for their efforts and commitment to club and wish them the best in their future endeavors.
BUL FC will be targeting to end this campaign on a positive note when they travel to Luzira prisons grounds for a Uganda premier league match with Maroons on Saturday.
The Eastern Giants at this hour lie eighth in the table, while the prison warders are in fifth with 40 points, one behind Arua Hill in fourth place.
BUL looked like winning their first game in thirteen matches on Tuesday, as they frustrated Vipers and also took charge of the game midway the second half but Bright Anukani scored a last minute penalty at FUFA technical centre for the Venoms to deny Simeon Masaba his first win at the club.
There is no getting away from the fact that it has largely been a low season for the Eastern Giants, who have won eight, drawn 11 and lost eight of their 27 league games to count 35 points, which is only enough for eighth position in the table going into the final fixtures of the season.
They finished fourth last season but this time, BUL can only finish as high as the seventh place if they win but can also drop as low as 10th with a defeat here if other results go against them.
Team News
BUL remain without the services of rocky defender Walter Ochora and midfielder Emmanuel Kalyowa due to injuries. But those are the only absentees for this match, with the rest of the players available and ready for selection.
Walter Ochora is injured
It’s now or never for the Eastern Giants to win a game in the second round this season as this is the ultimate match of the campaign.
Coach Simeon Masaba is aware of the improvements the opposition side have made since losing to BUL in December and will employ a secret tactic that will give BUL the edge over Maroons who have proved to be very stubborn at home of recent.
“The boys have prepared well and ready for the encounter,” coach Masaba said.
“In the first leg, we beat Maroons 5-0 but we are not banking on that for this game because they have improved alot since that loss, and they are even ahead of us in terms of points.”
“But we are going to see how we handle them and get the positive results.”
Samuel Ssekamatte said;
“It’s yet another game for us on Saturday. it’s a big one as well.”
“Looking at where we have come from, there has been alot of improvement for the boys in the last five games.”
“I believe if we carry the same positive attitude we exhibited against Vipers to Maroons, and if we use the same character like in the previous games, we are going to get the win.”
“It’s long now ever since we last won and we are going to do our best to get the victory although it’s not going to be easy.”
“Having lost to us in the first round, they are coming to revenge but I believe the boys are prepared for the challenge.”
Head to Head
In the last seven years, the sides have clashed nine times, resulting into seven BUL wins and two for Maroons.
Last four encounters
October 1, 2019
BUL FC 2-0 Maroons
January 30, 2019
BUL FC 1-0 Maroons
October 30, 2018
Maroons 1-2 BUL FC
December 21, 2023
BUL FC 5-0 Maroons
Match facts
BUL have collected eleven points from 13 away matches as a result of two wins, five draws and six losses, scoring eleven goals and conceding thirteen in the process.
Although the Eastern Giants have gone 13 league games without winning, they have lost once in their previous six matches, drawing in five and keeping clean sheets in two.
The 1-0 win over Arua Hill in December remains the only victory for BUL away from home and the team has since lost four games and drawn three in their past seven trips.
Of the 23 goals in the last nine games between the two teams, BUL have eighteen (18) to their account.
It’s two wins for each team in the previous four BUL treks to the prison warders.
From a possible 39 points, Maroons have picked 26 as a result of their seven wins, five draws and one loss in 13 home matches.
In the process, they have also scored 18 goals and conceded eight, and standing out as one of the four sides with the best home record this campaign after losing only one game from Luzira.
Since the 3-1 loss to Blacks Power in December, Maroons are unbeaten in nine matches at the prisons grounds, winning five and drawing four games there.
Match Coverage
Follow the action through our social media channels for the minute to minute updates about the game.
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.
On Tuesday, BUL will travel to the capital to face title chasing KCCA in the penultimate away game of the Uganda premier league campaign.
The Eastern Giants come into the showdown on the back of a 0-0 draw at Arua Hill, while the hosts also fired blanks away to Express two days ago.
In the reverse fixture, BUL were denied the victory at FUFA technical centre by Julius Poloto’s late strike which cancelled out Vicent Zziwa’s first half goal for the Eastern Giants as the sides settled for a 1-1 draw in December.
They now meet at a moment where there is still everything to play for on both sides.
BUL is nolonger in the title discussion and still not in the battle for survival but a run of 11 games without a win is worth not a celebration.
It’s arguably a concern that Coach Simeon Masaba will try to arrest in a blink of an eye from this moment, and jostle to pick the first league win before the season ends.
For KCCA, it’s 46 points for them, same as leaders Vipers and third placed SC Villa after 25 rounds and all are left with three games to fight for the crown.
Meaning they need to pick up every point there is to pick to remain in the already tight title race that is even more hotter than ever.
Team News
Aggrey Madoi will not recover in time for this clash, the coach confirmed but there still remains a wide pool of players to select from.
With just hours to the game, the Eastern Giants are brimming in confidence, saying that the time to win again has come and that the stakes are high that we shall.
“We have prepared the boys very well to see that we can have a good game and possibly win it,” coach Simeon Masaba said.
“The boys are in good spirits and they have been training well.”
“We haven’t won any matches in the second round but we still have three matches to go.”
“So we can still win starting tomorrow. It’s possible and I believe we are going to win.”
“We expect to win this game,” Vicent Zziwa said.
“Basing on the training sessions we have got, every player is in good shape and set to play.”
“We haven’t won a game since the second round began but our heads are still up. We expect and believe we shall win tomorrow’s game.”
Head to Head
P20 W4 D7 L9
It’s 20 meetings between the two teams, resulting into four wins for BUL, nine for KCCA and seven draws.
Last four encounters
December 13, 2022
BUL FC 1-1 KCCA
April 20, 2022
BUL FC 1-1 KCCA
December 01, 2021
KCCA FC 3-1 BUL FC
April 02, 2021
KCCA FC 3-0 BUL FC
Match Facts
BUL have collected eleven points from 12 away matches as a result of two wins and five draws as well as losses, scoring eleven goals and conceding twelve in the process.
Although the Eastern Giants have gone 11 games without a win, they are unbeaten in their previous four matches – keeping clean sheets in two.
They are also unbeaten in their past two meetings with KCCA, drawing 1-1 in April and December 2022.
However, they last beat KCCA in early February 2021 in a 2-1 victory at Kyabazinga stadium.
KCCA have won eight and drawn four games out of their 12 home matches this campaign, the second best home record in the division.
On that course, they have scored 27 goals and leaked 13, earning 28 points in return.
They are also unbeaten in their previous four meetings with BUL, winning and drawing two games apiece.
But the Kasasiro boys have however not won in their past three outings, drawing two and losing one.
Match Coverage
The game action will be live on television. Alternatively, follow our social media channels for the text commentary from the off.
BUL FC and Arua Hill played out a stalemate in a Uganda premier league action at FUFA technical centre.
Despite much probing for an opening by BUL, the affair was unable to produce a winner as the game ended 0-0 by the sound of the final whistle, the first goalless draw between the teams.
The Eastern Giants had the better of the play and chances in the first half, but a breakthrough was hard to come by.
Much of BUL’s attacking play was directed down the right as Douglas Muganga, Hillary Onek and Martin Aprem combined to good effect, and a cross from Onek threatened to create the breakthrough on thirteen minutes, but Ibrahim Nsimbe was just unable to get clean contact on the inviting cross.
There was then a chance for Jerome Kirya as he was picked up when near the edge of the area but his deflected effort was easily collected by goalkeeper Rogers Omedwa.
Fine margins went against Simeon Masaba’s men once more when Ibrahim Kazindula’s pass off the outside of his boot found Nsimbe before Omedwa came out live again.
After the break, Onek went the closest to breaking the deadlock on 50 minutes, meeting Reagan Kalyowa’s lofted pass into the box with his header missing inches past the post.
There were efforts from distance by Jerome Kirya, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Ibrahim Kazindula and Anthony Mayanja which sailed over the bar while Nsimbe saw another two chances evaporate.
Arua Hill’s sole realistic chance in the game arrived nineteen minutes to the final whistle through substitute Jacob Kamwesiga who weaved into the box before sending his shot out.
A goal ultimately proved elusive for both sides, and the teams were forced to settle for a point each.
BUL, who remained 8th on the log with 34 points, will hit the road next week for a face off with KCCA FC on Tuesday.
BUL FC XI:
Saidi Keni (GK),Douglas Muganga,Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Ibrahim Kazindula (Ibrahim Mugulusi 61′), Reagan Kalyowa (Anthony Mayanja 61′), Hillary Onek, Martin Aprem, Ibra Nsimbe (Vicent Zziwa 76′)
Unused substitutes:
Emmanuel Kalyowa, Emmanuel Obua, Pascal Ngobi, Paul Sekulima.
After eight days of preparations, the Eastern Giants return to action and will hope to return to winning ways following a run of three back to back draws.
Simeon Masaba’s men look to seek a strong finish to the season, with just four games to go, which starts this Wednesday at Arua Hill.
They can be found in position seven on the table with a count of 33 points, four behind their visitors who sit in fourth, and they come into this one after a 0-0 draw at Wakiso Giants, and they are searching for their first win in eleven league matches.
Arua Hill make the trip to FUFA technical centre without victory in any of the three previous meetings between the two teams – with the last fixture coming in December where a goal from Ibrahim Nsimbe was enough to see out a 1-0 win for BUL at Barifa grounds.
But their most recent league outing was a big win, thrashing Express 4-1 in Arua.
Team News
BUL will have to work around the absence of midfielder Emmanuel Kalyowa for this clash due to Malaria, and to this day is the only injured player with the rest of the squad available for selection and ready to compete.
Coach Simeon Masaba said;
“We have prepared our team well and we are ready to play and see that we can get good results against Arua Hill.”
“Some positives were picked from our previous match against Wakiso Giants where we kept a clean sheet. We didn’t score but did not concede either.”
“So we are going to capitalize on that to see that we defend very well and as well score.”
Midfielder Ibrahim Mugulusi said;
“No win for us in the second round so far but we are looking to getting one since we are playing at home.”
“The confidence is high, the goal scoring challenge has been rectified and very soon we shall score in the coming matches. Therefore, fans should come and give us the support.”
Head to Head
P3 W2 D1 L0
The sides have met three times, and BUL have won two and drawn one game.
Last three encounters
December 28, 2021
BUL FC 4-0 Arua Hill
February 16, 2022
Arua Hill 2-2 BUL FC
December 06, 2023
Arua Hill 0-1 BUL FC
Match Facts
It’s 22 points for BUL from a possible 36, as a result of six wins and four draws in twelve home matches.
Since the start of the season, they have lost two games only at home – against URA FC (0-1) and Express (1-2) in March and April respectively.
The games have seen the Eastern Giants score 19 goals at FUFA technical centre with nine leaked.
Still out of the 12 home matches, Masaba’s men have kept five clean sheets
They have scored in almost all but two home matches – against URA (0-1) and Gaddafi FC (0-0).
BUL’s last league victory was however in mid-December against Maroons, and it is now 139 days without a win.
In their past ten matches, they have fetched six draws and four losses but they are unbeaten in their immediate last three games.
They have scored seven goals of the nine involved in their previous three contests with the Arua side.
Arua Hill have registered six losses in their 12 trips this season, winning three only with the other three also ending in draws.
But the Leopards have lost once in their latest six matches where they have recorded three triumphs and two stalemates.
In their last five, goals on their side have failed to come in one only – when they lost 1-0 to Vipers in April.
They have also had a return of six goals in their last two outings – against Onduparaka (2-2) and 4-0 against Express.
Match Coverage
It is live on television; nevertheless, one can follow the action through our social media channels for the minute to minute updates about the game.
BUL FC and Bright Stars played out a two all draw on Friday, as we came from behind in the second half to clinch a point at FUFA technical centre.
The Eastern Giants took the lead through Ibrahim Mugulusi’s strike early on, but we were penned back just five minutes to the break by Cleophus Fiat’s screamer.
After the break, Bright Stars took control of the game immediately courtesy of Nelson Ssenkatuka’s close range finish two minutes into the second half, but a late leveller from Anthony Mayanja for BUL ensured we took home atleast a point.
It was a fast start for BUL who came close in the opening couple of minutes, with Ronald Otti getting at the end of one of the first two corners inside two minutes of play before Ibrahim Kazindula blazed his free kick over bar.
With five minutes off the clock, BUL finally broke down the Star’s door that they had been pounding on.
Douglas Muganga managed to play the ball to Hillary Onek who beat his man for pace down the right-hand side before crossing low across goal for Mugulusi to poke in the opener.
BUL then made several advances throughout the duration of the first half but were not able to widen the advantage. One of the many chances was when Mugulusi found himself in a prime position inside the area but failed to connect with Ibrahim Nsimbe’s lay in.
Bright Stars scored against the run of play however, and from the only opportunity they got in the opening half when Fiat picked up his spot almost from the center arc after spotting Saidi Keni off his line.
They doubled their advantage in the 47th minute. Nelson Ssenkatuka rounded off two defenders from the box and fired in a second to tilt the game in Bright Stars favor.
Masaba’s men upped their game and put in a much better showing after falling off the patch and wasted no time in their search for a comeback goal.
Within one minute off the hour mark, Bright Stars were forced to clear their lines before Nsimbe hit the post a few moments later.
Mayanja picked up the pieces with a follow up to draw the game level on 84 minutes after Richard Wandyaka’s initial effort also hit the post.
But before the equalizer, Bright Stars had almost stretched their lead. Keni spilled the ball Infront of Ssenkatuka who hit the post and the ball came back into play.
BUL were desperate to get another goal and take all the three points but there was no time left on the clock and the referee called things to a stop with the spoils shared.
Thanks to Mayanja’s late equaliser, the Eastern Giants remain sixth on the log with 32 points after 23 matches.
On Monday next week, BUL face Wakiso Giants at Kabaka Kyabagu.
BUL FC XI:
Saidi Keni (GK),Douglas Muganga (Emmanuel Obua 71′), Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Pascal Ngobi, Ibrahim Kazindula (Richard Wandyaka 60′), Ibrahim Mugulusi, Joram Kirya (Richard Okello 52′),Hillary Onek, Reagan Kalyowa (Martin Aprem 60′), Ibrahim Nsimbe (Anthony Mayanja 71′)
