BUL Football Club can confirm that Emmanuel Obua has joined the club on a two year contract.
Emmanuel Obua with manager Alex
Obua scored four goals for Kyetume last season as the club won promotion back to the Uganda Premier League.
“I am excited and grateful to join BUL. I expect to win trophies here and help the team as well to move as high as possible,” he said.
Obua excited after joining BUL FC
Manager Alex Isabirye has full hope in the new left footed player, and is delighted to have him at the club
“Obua is good and one of the best young players currently. He did well in big league last season and I am happy to have him here, I know he will help the team,” Isabirye said.
The left full back featured for Blacks Power FC for three seasons before he signed for the slaughters in 2019.
BUL Football Club can confirm that Reagan Kalyowa’s contract has been extended by two years.
Youngster Reagan Kalyowa in action
The winger’s current deal was due to expire at the end of the coming season but an extension means the youngster’s stay at the Eastern Giants continues up to 2025 at the very least.
“First of all, I am overjoyed by this good gesture from the club,” he said.
“In my career, BUL is the only team that I have played for, beginning in the junior team and then through to the senior side.”
“My career has progressed steadily from here and I can only expect more development with this club – continuous shaping of my career and putting it to the unmatchable higher levels.“
“Extension of my contract is good news to the ears and to everyone. Now I can do all I can so that we move forward together and win more trophies as well.“
Reagan Kalyowa against Vipers
Since his move to BUL, Kalyowa helped the Junior team secure the Juniors league in 2019, as well as playing a key part as the senior side got the better of Vipers SC in Masindi to win the Uganda cup last season.
Martin Aprem has committed his long-term future to BUL FC by extending his contract to keep him at the club until 2025
Youngster Martin Aprem
Aprem’s deal was due to expire in June 2023, but it has now been stretched by further two years.
His trickery, pace and acceleration were hallmarks of his outstanding attacking play last term, and he is understandably delighted with the news.
“I need to build my career to big heights and I believe that can only be done from here at BUL,” he said.
“I came here as a child, with my career shaping through the junior team until I was promoted to the senior side, and without doubt, I am progressing and developing into the footballer I want to be.”
“Recently we won the Uganda cup and I want to win more trophies with BUL.”
Martin Aprem in action
“And now with the renewal of my contract, I am absolutely excited that the team decided to extend my stay at the club.”
The forward is one of the key players at the Eastern Giants, and he played a key part in our fantastic Uganda cup title winning campaign, as well as finishing fourth in the league.
Ex- International Simeon Masaba is now part of our coaching staff.
Manager Alex unveiling coach Simeon
He signed a two – year contract as an assistant coach to join Alex Isabirye’s strong backroom staff.
“BUL suits my coaching career. It’s a wonderful club at the moment, and it has been doing very well – both in the league and Uganda cup. So, I come to join efforts to see that the team achieves its goals both locally and internationally,” he said after signing.
Masaba is a name that needs no introduction in the circles of Ugandan football. Manager Alex Isabirye holds full confidence in the new man saying his football knowledge will provide the necessary drive in the quest to build a bold team going forward.
“We are building a team that will be dominant in the future, therefore, we need individuals who still have a big future, and Masaba is one of them.“
“Despite being in the morning of his coaching career, he has a lot of football knowledge – he had a stellar playing career, has coached some good teams and has achieved a lot in football.”
“Therefore, I believe he will share his vast knowledge and experience with us as we build a strong team.”
Manager Alex welcoming Simeon to BUL FC
The former Uganda Cranes player brings more than six years of coaching experience to our technical wing.
Masaba called time on his playing career in 2014 before getting into coaching at his former club – URA.
In 2017, he joined Onduparaka as an assistant coach afore to serving the West Nile side as a caretaker boss twice.
He left for UPDF in 2018 before signing for Wakiso Giants for the 2019/2020 season.
Masaba signing his contract at BUL FC
Masaba would return to URA in October 2020 as an assistant coach, previous to getting the head coach role there on the interim.
Workaholic forward – Frank Kalanda is now an Eastern Giant. He signed a two – year renewable contract to play for the club through to at least June 2024.
Frank Kalanda signing his contract at BUL FC offices.
He has become our first signing in this transfer window.
“Being part of the biggest clubs in Busoga and Uganda at large is exciting,” he said after putting pen to paper.
“I am so thankful for this opportunity given by the club and the coach – Alex Isabirye; and I am willing to work with the entire technical team, management, teammates, and fans altogether.”
Frank sharing some moments with the Manager
“Putting up good performances is all I target in my quest to score lots of goals that will help the team achieve more success.”
Kalanda shone to fame for his brace against Tanzania in a 3-1 win as Uganda Cranes qualified for CHAN 2014 in South Africa.
Frank Kalanda posing with BUL FC jersey after signing his contract.
The forward has in his career featured for Express (two stints), URA, Tooro United, Police, as well as AS Kigali of Rwanda.
All eyes are on King George Stadium this weekend and BUL football club face Vipers SC in the Stanbic Uganda Cup final on Sunday afternoon in Masindi.
BUL aim to end the season with a trophy, and potentially qualify for the confederations cup, while the Venoms seek to add to their league triumph.
Both sides met at the same stage last season, and Vipers breezed 8-1 past BUL side at Fufa Technical Center in a match that saw forward Musa Esenu replace Sanon Mulabi between the sticks as a makeshift goalkeeper.
But unlike last year, there isn’t really an underdog view to take with this fixture, with BUL and Vipers representing the most improved teams in Ugandan football.
This will be the third meeting of the season between BUL and Vipers, with the other two league matches ending in a draw and victory for the Venoms.
Both BUL FC and Booma fc players and officials praying after the game
Vipers have won two Uganda cups in their history (2016 & 2021), however, they have lost three finals to URA, SCVU and KCCA in 2012, 2013 and 2018 respectively.
BUL are in their second successive final, and victory will round off a stellar campaign for the club in which they finished fourth in the league for the first time in their history.
Road to Masindi
This season, the Eastern Giants drove past Bundimasoli United, Busoga United, Bright Stars, SC Villa and Booma.
Round of 64
Bundimasoli – BUL FC.
Our 2021/22 Uganda cup journey begun with a trip to Bundibugyo to take on fourth division team Bundimasoli United. But the would be hosts failed to show up for the match and the competitions committee ruled that they lose the match by forfeiture.
Round of 32
Busoga United 0-3 BUL FC
BUL FC players applauding fans after beating Bright Stars at 16
Alex Isabirye’s side made the short journey across Jinja city to Kakindu stadium where we ran out 3-0 winners.
Karim Ndugwa opened the scoring and added a second before Walter Ochora wrapped up the win with a spectacular header late in the game.
Round of 16
Bright Stars 2(3)-2(4) BUL FC
BUL faced yet another Uganda premier league team, visiting Bright Stars at Kavumba recreational grounds. Penalty shoot outs were required to set the two teams apart following a two all draw in normal time. Richard Wandyaka, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Ibrahim Kazindula and Aggrey Madoi converted their kicks from the penalty mark for BUL FC, while Ibrahim Kasinde, Nelson Senkatuka and Meddie Kyeyune scored theirs as well for the hosts. Jerome Kirya skied his kick, with Yasin Mugume and Odong Jonathan also shooting wide for their respective teams.
Joseph Janjali deflected in Derrick Were’s goal kick, and Senkatuka then made a late equaliser in response to Karim Ndugwa’s brace in the regular 90 minutes.
Quarter finals
SC Villa 1-2 BUL FC (AET)
Ibrahim Nsimbe was the hero for BUL when he scored five minutes from the end of extra time to send the Eastern Giants to the semi finals. Karim Ndugwa had put BUL ahead but his strike was cancelled out by Saddam Masereka to force the game to extra time.
Semi finals
BUL 6-1 Booma ( on aggregate)
Isabirye’s side progressed to the final with a comprehensive 6-1 win over Booma, over two legs. Karim Ndugwa netted the lone strike in the second leg of the semi final at Kyabazinga stadium. But that was just an icing on the cake, goals from Simon Peter Oketch (2), Wandyaka, Kazindula and Ndugwa in the first meeting had given the Eastern Giants a commanding lead of 5-1.
Vipers SC’s journey.
The venoms began their cup defense by dispatching Kigezi Home Boys 1-0 in the round of 64, they knocked out Kalongo United 3-1 at the round of 32 before running 3-0 winners over Kataka in the round of 16.
Roberto Oliveira’s outfit saw off Wakiso Giants 3-1 in the quarter-finals, and in the semi finals, Vipers rolled over Mbarara city with a health 6-1 win on aggregate.
Paul Mucureezi and Milton Karisa secured a 2-1 victory for the venoms, with Seiri Arigumaho scoring a consolation for the Ankole Lions in the first leg.
Mbarara City would be thrashed 4-0 in the second leg in Wakiso, thanks to goals from Sentamu, Karisa, Bobosi Byaruhanga, and an own goal from Ronald Otti.
BUL FC players in training
Team News
There is no much injury concerns at BUL besides that of Lawrence Kasadha, meaning Alex Isabirye has almost a full sqaud to select from.
Assistant coach – Dan Kabale was in full confidence during his interaction with the club media, saying the ultimate aim is to win the cup.
“This is the trophy we have so much tried our best to play for and we want to win it.”
“When you look at the team that played last season when we lost 8-1, it’s not the same team that is going to play this time.”
“This time the best team that BUL has ever had will be assembled.”
“Generally, we don’t have much injuries – Kasadha Lawrence is the only player set to miss this encounter but the rest of the players are ready to play and expect the best from the boys.”
Fredson Gwoto echoed the tactician’s opinion, and further stated they are ready to hit the ground more than before.
“We were not all that prepared when we lost last year’s final, but this time, we are well equipped and expecting positive results.”
Head to head
Both sides have met 23 times across all competitions since 2011, with BUL FC winning two and Vipers SC 15 matches. Six games have been draws.
Match officials
Oloya William will be in the center for this clash, Okello Dick and Masembe Issa to deputise him as the first and second assistant referee. Nabadda Shamirah will be the fourth official while Katabiira David Davis will serve as the their assessor.
Match Coverage
The game will be live on FUFA TV but fans can follow our text updates of the game as well via our social media platforms.
BUL football club finished in the top four when their 1-0 win over SC Villa on Saturday pushed the points count to 52 after the final match day (30) of the Uganda premier league.
BUL FC starting line up against Villa
A top-quality performance from the Eastern Giants at Kyabazinga stadium did the job with a single Simon Peter Oketch goal deciding the contest and sealing the fourth place finish for BUL for the first time in history of the club.
Oketch scored the winner six minutes after the interval.
Before that, Ibrahim Mugulusi and Karim Ndugwa had a couple of opportunities as BUL were the better side before the break, and when our opponents had threatened, some classy defending by Douglas Muganga and Walter Ochora prevented Emmanuel Kalyowa from being tested during the first half.
Simon Peter celebrating with teammates
In the second half, the Eastern Giants of course, were still dangerous, and the Jogoos were thankful that the boys did not carry enough of their scoring boots.
But on 51 minutes, Oketch took a superb pass from the exceptional Martin Aprem, utilized the space ahead of him, spun to his right before curling the ball beyond Meddie Kibirige in SC Villa’s goal to send a live Kyabazinga stadium into wild celebrations.
As the game reached its hour mark, Aprem had two goal scoring opportunities in the space of few minutes. The first, after good work and a string of neat line breaking passes amongst Oketch, Ndugwa and him was at first blocked before Kibirige sprung up quickly to grab the rebound.
And the second, after taking on SC Villa defenders by himself, fell into the hands of the goal keeper again.
The Eastern Giants, as hoped, were finding areas from which to threaten the Jogoos.
Ndugwa was at the receiving end of a fine Hillary Onek delivery into the box but the forward headed the ball across, and a few moments later, he saw another effort of his fly wide.
Karim Ndugwa in action yesterday
The visitors thought they had equalised on the 55th minute but it was ruled out for offside.
Later, Muganga channeled Sadam Juma’s dangerous free kick from the edge of the area into the corner, while Kalyowa made an easy catch of Travis Mutyaba’s shot twelve minutes from time to deny the visitors a point
With the Uganda premier league over now, BUL switch focus to Uganda cup business, with the final of the competition coming on June 12 in Masindi against Vipers SC.
Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa, Walter Ochora, Richard Ayiko, Douglas Muganga, Pascal Ngobi, Jerome Kirya, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Hillary Onek, Ivan Wani, Karim Ndugwa, Simon Peter Oketch.
Substitutes:
John Okurut, Umar Mukobe, Ibrahim Kazindula, Owen Mukisa, Martin Aprem, George Kasonko, Reagan Kalyowa
The Eastern Giants are into the stanbic Uganda cup final, their second in two seasons after a 1-0 win over Booma at Kyabazinga stadium to set up a meeting with Vipers SC in Masindi.
Alex Isabirye’s side held a 5-1 advantage going into the second leg, before Karim Ndugwa’s strike sealed a 6-1 victory on aggregate.
BUL FC starting line up against Booma
BUL’s opponents Vipers, confirmed their place by beating Mbarara City 4-0 for a 6-1 aggregate win in tuesday’s semi-final.
The final in June, will be a repeat of the 2021 meeting at the same stage, with the Venoms earning an 8-1 success.
The second leg
BUL FC 1-0 Booma
Karim Ndugwa’s goal was the difference as BUL FC beat Booma FC 1-0 on Wednesday.
The forward met Ivan Wani’s delivery from the left wing to head beyond Francis Anguzu in Booma’s goal ten minutes into the game.
BUL had another chance before the break but Ndugwa’s half volley from inside the box clipped off the post before the visitors cleared the lines.
After the interval, Ibrahim Mugulusi showed a bag of skills with a fabulous hard shot on the turn following a clean exchange between Mukisa Owen and Ndugwa near the area.
BUL FC players celebrating Karim lonely goal
Moments later, the Tukyate boys got the first of their only two chances they had in the game.
They saw an effort hit the post, and then back in play with a goal melee ensuing before the Eastern Giants took charge of the situation with a far clearance.
Ibrahim Kazindula rattled the bar from range on 51 minutes, with him laying into box 13 minutes later but his service was too high for Ndugwa.
Booma’s Moses Odora forced a save from John Okurut, and after a fast break, Umar Mukobe whipped in a teasing cross at the other end that saw Anguzu race off his line with a strong double punch to bring safety.
The last chance of the game fell to Ndugwa, and from a free kick at the edge of the box, however his over hit effort whistled over the bar.
Ivan Wani in action
Isabirye’s side are back in action this saturday with the ultimate Uganda premier league match of this season against SC Villa.
Starting XI:
John Okurut, Aggrey Madoi, Fredson Gwoto, Walter Ochora, George Kasonko (Ambrose Kirya 80′), Ibrahim Kazindula (Allan kiggundu 64′), Ibrahim Mugulusi, Umar Mukobe, Ivan Wani, Ibrahim Nsimbe (Owen Mukisa 32′), Karim Ndugwa.
Unused substitutes:
Emmanuel Kalyowa, Douglas Muganga, Richard Ayiko, Jerome Kirya.
The Eastern Giants return to Uganda cup semi-final action on Wednesday May 18 as they welcome Booma to the Kyabazinga stadium for the second leg with kick-off set at 3PM prompt.
BUL FC starting line up against Booma in first leg
BUL FC is on the blink of marching to yet another final after seeing out the first leg 5-1 at Masindi stadium last week. Simon Peter Oketch, Richard Wandyaka, Ibrahim Kazindula and Karim Ndugwa combined to put last year’s finalists firmly in the driving seat, while Booma, who have punched above their weight in this edition got their consolation through Leonard Mujuwa.
Alex Isabirye’s side replicated that extra ordinary performance at the weekend with a demolition job against Police, and all their focus is now on sealing this competition’s final spot.
They are appearing in the Uganda cup semi final phase for the third time, the first being in 2015, and another coming almost six years later as they breezed to their inaugural final, while another final is possibly on the cards because of their huge 5-1 lead on aggregate advantage.
Top scorer Karim Ndugwa with 6 goals
Enroute to the semi finals, the Eastern Giants knocked out Busoga United, Bright Stars and SC Villa, and on the other hand, Booma defeated Nyamityobora, Kajjansi United, Tipsa and Maroons FC to reach this stage.
Whoever prevails with a superior aggregate win on Wednesday will set up a showdown against Vipers in Masindi.
Team News
BUL have a few number of fitness concerns to deal with ahead of the second leg, with long-term absentee Saidi Keni definitely out alongside Lawrence Kasadha who suffered a knee injury against KCCA, and they are joined in the treatment room by Richard Wandyaka.
Team manager Alex Isabirye and captain George Kasonko spoke to the club media ahead of the game, and both were full in confidence to get the job done
Team manager Alex Isabirye
We shall come out strong despite our 5-1 victory in the first leg. We are building a team with character and I need to see that character in tomorrow’s game because we need to win it and go to the final comfortably.
George Kasonko
We are set to give 100% as there is no weak team in the semi finals. We shall give all we can to win this game even if we have the first leg advantage.
How to follow the game
Our official communication channels will relay live updates of this encounter.
The Eastern Giants are back in the top four after a 5-2 win over Police.
Ibrahim Nsimbe scored two of our five goals in a simply unstoppable performance at Lugogo. Simon Peter Oketch could not miss the scoring party as well as Martin Aprem and Owen Mukisa. Frank Kalanda’s brace was all the Cops could afford and it was just not enough to rescue them from our hones.
BUL FC starting line up against Police
BUL took a 2-1 lead over Police into half time. The impressive start to the game by the Eastern Giants allowed Simon Peter Oketch to complete a great move with a fine finish to put BUL ahead with just 15 minutes played.
The hosts woke up from their haven and began to threaten BUL’s goal, and six minutes after the half hour mark, Frank Kalanda made the Eastern Giants pay for a Walter Ochora handball in the area when he equalised for his side from the spot.
But their renewed hope was dashed two minutes to the break as Ibrahim Nsimbe restored our lead on 43 minutes.
Hillary Onek in action
After the interval, Police hardly found away through nor could they keep their door shut.
Nsimbe completed his brace on the 79th minute and Aprem made it 4-1 with ten minutes left on the clock.
Police eventually grabbed their second goal with Kalanda again on the score sheet for them on the 85th minute but it was just a consolation.
Owen Mukisa closed the flood gates in the additional minutes after the regular time to make it 5-2 to cap off a brilliant all round performance from the Eastern Giants.
The victory was massive in terms of margin and significance. Alex Isabirye’s side moved back to the fourth place on the table with 49 points, same as Arua Hill but with a superior goal difference, with one game left to end the season.
BUL FC players celebrating Owen Mukisa goal
The second leg of our Uganda cup semi final match with Booma FC comes up next week before our final Uganda premier league match with SC Villa follows up later on May 21 at Kyabazinga stadium.
Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa, Walter Ochora, Douglas Muganga, Aggrey Madoi ( Reagan Kalyowa 46′), Pascal Ngobi, Jerome Kirya (Allan Kiggundu 84′), Simon Peter Oketch(Ibrahim Kazindula 84′)Martin Aprem (Ibrahim Mugulusi 84′),Hillary Onek, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Richard Wandyaka(Owen Mukisa 66′)
