Uganda Premier League | Fixtures

Thursday, November 9, 2023

• SC Villa vs Arua Hill SC
• UPDF vs BUL

SC Villa has won just one of five games in the ongoing 2023/24 Uganda Premier League season.

The Jogoo will play Arua Hill SC at Wankulukuku’s Muteesa II Stadium. The host team will be looking for their second win of the season.

Since defeating NEC FC, Villa has shared points with Vipers SC before succumbing to log leaders BUL FC in a 2-1 setback.

After putting on a strong performance the previous season but failing to take the title on the final day, the record league champions have only accumulated five points in as many games this season.

The encounter against the Kongolo provides them with a wonderful opportunity to get their season back on track after a sluggish start.

Villa hardly participated in the league’s match day six since their opponent Express FC’s games were halted by FUFA while investigations into hooliganism were completed. As a result, their last game occurred on Tuesday, October 24.

Arua Hill SC, on the other hand, had a difficult start to the league, losing five of their first six games until drawing one-all with KCCA FC. Unlike in previous games, Arua Hill’s players appeared better staging a fight for the badge during the deadlock.

That will give Kongolo fans hope, who have experienced enough of the suffering since the season began.

Busoga United, Vipers SC, BUL FC, Gaddafi FC, and Mbarara City all defeated Charles Livingstone Mbabazi’s forces. So they went into the game against SC Villa looking for their first win.

Arua Hill won the last meeting between the two teams at Wankulukuku thanks to Ronald Media’s fifth-minute goal. Villa were the better team in that game, but the visitors came away with all three points, which the Joggos should remember in order not to undercut their opponent.

Uganda Premier League

• UPDF FC vs BUL FC
• SC Villa vs Arua Hill

BUL FC have started the Uganda Premier League with joy and triumph winning all games played which has glued their name in the discussion of title contenders.

With 18 points from the six games thus far, this is BUL’s best start to the campaign and they hope to do all it takes to keep at the summit of the log summit.

UPDF, on the other side, is 12th on the log with one win, two ties and three losses in six games played thus far.

The perfect run has given the team confidence as they take the fight at UPDF FC in a UPL clash played at Bombo Barracks Grounds in Luweero on Wednesday.

“UPDF FC is a very hard side but the approach we ought to use must be an inch-perfect in order to pick positive results. We are technically, psychologically and physically ready for the game ahead of us,” BUL assistant coach Joseph Magela said.

“We have organised the boys well since the last game we played with URA FC. The last game we played was not easy but we tried to contain it. Going into the next game we have to improve our goal skill,” Magela added.

“We have to make sure we score but also hardly allow our opponent to score. We always choose to be conscious while playing away games and we shall keep doing so because we play each game like a final.”

Head to Head

 Since 2015, the two sides have met 12 times. BUL has registered six wins while UPDF FC have won five times and they have drawn twice.

Team News

Pascal Ngobi is the only injured player in BUL’s roaster after getting a fracture in the game against URA FC. The rest of the players are ready for selection.

CECAFA U15 Boys Championship | Results
Tuesday, November 7, 2023

• South Sudan 0-3 Uganda

Uganda Rhinos picked the second victory in the CECAFA U15 Boys Championship by defeating South Sudan 3-0 on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

In the game played at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, and all three goals were scored in the second half.

Before the match, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the second FUFA Vice President, Darius Mugoye, who had passed away earlier on Tuesday morning.

The first minutes of the game were slow-paced, with neither team showing any intention to take control.

Uganda’s Enock Bagenda thought he had scored in the 25th minute, but his goal was disallowed for offside, much to South Sudan’s relief.

The second half started with a lot more energy and urgency from Uganda as they searched for an opener.

Frank Ssekanjako finally broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, followed by Enock Bagenda, who scored Uganda’s second goal only three minutes later.

Despite South Sudan’s efforts to score, Uganda’s defence stood strong, with Samuel Mubiru and Pius Oyirwoth leading the backline.

In the 86th minute, Abdulshakur Babi scored Uganda’s third and final goal, securing their second win of the tournament.

Uganda will play Ethiopia on Friday, November 10, while South Sudan will face Djibouti

Since completing a switch to Vipers SC, Allan Okello has not yet featured in any of the club’s games leaving the Venoms yearning to see their star make his debut.

However, news from St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende indicates that Okello’s recovery is closer than ever before since he has now joined the first team training.

The development was brought public on Monday, November 6 via a statement shared through the club’s official website.

“Allan Okello has returned to the field of play at St Mary’s Stadium as he continues to recover from his cartilage injury,” the statement partly read.

“The left-footed gem has been out of action since May when it was discovered he had some wounds in the cartilage and has since undergone three months of rehabilitation,” it added.

Unlike the news shared earlier, it’s possible that Okello might take part in the Uganda Premier League’s first round.

Okello is expected to continue with his rehabilitation program under the guidance of the team doctor Micheal Lule and strength and conditioning coach Ibrahim Kato as he seeks full fitness.

Vipers SC are third on the log with 15 points gathered in six games played thus far.

They will return to action on Friday, November 10 as they lock horns with KCCA FC at MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.

• Ligi Kuu Bara | Results
• Sunday, November 6, 2023
• Simba 1-5 Young Africans

Young Africans thumped Simba with a 5-1 well-deserved victory in the Kariakoo Derby at Benjamin Mpaka National Stadium on Sunday.

Uganda Cranes midfielder Khalid Aucho played 90 minutes as his side collected maximum points on the day.

It was an entertaining game that gave fans a reason to chant, and hoot vuvuzelas while singing in high spirits throughout the 90 minutes.

Kennedy Musonda’s powerful header gave Young Africans the lead in the third minute before Denis Kibu levelled matters six minutes later.

From that point either side tried to take the lead but possession was equally shared and by the halftime break, the scoreboard read 1-1.

Four minutes past the hour mark, Mpia Nzengeli regained Young Africans’ lead with a calm finish off Stephane Aziz Ki’s delivery.

As Simba attempted a quick response, Young Africa cut off the attack and off the break, Aziz extended the visitors’ lead in stellar fashion on 73 minutes.

Four minutes later, Nzengeli completed a personal brace as he left Simba’s backline helpless and soaked in discomfort after the humiliation.

With four minutes to play, Zouzoua Peodoh Pacome sealed the huge victory with a perfect take from the 12-yard mark sending Simba’s goalkeeper the wrong way.

The victory sends Young Africans to the log summit with 21 points while Simba remain third with 18 points having played a game less.

CECAFA U15 Boys Championship | Results

Sunday, November 5, 2023

• Zanzibar 3-0 Rwanda
• Tanzania 1-0 Somalia

After an entertaining day one of the CECAFA U15 Boys Championship, the tournament continued to day two of action with two games to play.

Zanzibar registered a 3-0 well-deserved victory against Rwanda at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru on Sunday afternoon.

Hassan Mwinyi, Nassor Muhammad and Omar Lukman were on target as the islanders pocketed maximum points on the day.

Zanzibar kicked off the game with a high tempo pegging Rwanda’s backline busy as they tried to give a shield to their goal.

Mwinyi gave Zanzibar the lead in the 12^th minute, the forward’s well-taken free-kick beat Rwanda’s wall before it landed in the back of the net.

Rwanda tried to connect short and long passes trying to break down Zanzibar’s defence but the plan hardly yielded any positive fruit.

Both teams went into the halftime break with Zanzibar having the 1-0 lead after an end-to-end showdown.

Coming from the resting rooms, the game’s pace hugely fell and the first 20 minutes of the second stanza were dull and had no talking point.

But with four minutes to conclude the game, Nassor doubled the lead as Rwanda’s backline was broken down leaving their palms plucked in their faces.

Three minutes later, Lukman headed home a powerful ball to seal Zanzibar’s victory in their opening game of the tournament.

Zanzibar returns to action on Wednesday, November 8 as they take on Somalia while Rwanda will take their search for their maiden victory to Tanzania on the same day.

CECAFA U15 Boys Championship | Results

Sunday, November 5, 2023

• Zanzibar 3-0 Rwanda
• Tanzania 1-0 Somalia

Tanzania edged Somalia in a 1-0 victory in the CECAFA U15 Boys Championship at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Sunday evening.

Kaniki Saleman scored the only important goal to give Tanzania the perfect start to the tournament.

It was an entertaining duel as both sides distributed the ball with the right pace trying out different craft each time they got to attacking positions.

The first chance of the game fell to Somalia’s Sadam Hussein who failed to guide the ball into the net with just a goalkeeper to beat.

Somalia kept on the front foot and looked like it was going to break the deadlock anytime but failed to beat Tanzania’s backline.

The first half ended goalless but the handful crowd had enjoyed the entertaining action from the youngsters.

Four minutes into the second half, Saleman finally gave Tanzania the lead thanks to the energy they returned with coming from the break.

Somalia threw all bodies upfront in search of a leveller but it was not their day and it was a loss for them in their opening game.

The victory takes Tanzania in second place of group B behind neighbours Zanzibar who put three past Rwanda.

The countries in Group B will use Monday and Tuesday to rest and will return to action on Wednesday, November 8. 

FUFA Drum | Results

Saturday, November 4, 2023

• Acholi 0-2 Lango
• Teso 2-1 Kigezi

The thrilling FUFA Drum 2023 finally entered the quarterfinals stage and two games were played on Saturday, November 23, 2023.

Lango and Teso registered positives gathering maximum points in the first leg of the quarterfinal ties.

In a game played at Boma Grounds in Kitgum, Lango registered a 2-0 victory against Acholi in an exciting showdown.

Last year’s finalist, Lango Province was on the receiving end for the most time in the game but somehow squeezed through to take the first-leg advantage.

Emmanuel Obua gave the visitors the lead in the 68th minute with a long-range effort.

Seven minutes later, Denis Omedi doubled Lango’s lead with a lofted effort past Acholi’s goalkeeper Derrick Ochan, who was off his line.

The two sides will meet in the second leg on Saturday, November 18 at Akii Bua Stadium in Lira.

In the other game, Teso Province edged Kigezi Province in a 2-1 narrow victory at Soroti Stadium.

Dickson Niwamanya placed Kigezi in the driving seat four minutes past the half-hour mark. 

Ten minutes into the second half, Isaac Ogwang restored parity levelling the game as the home crowd got on top of their voices.

In the 79th minute, Ogwang who was later named the man of the match gave the hosts the lead.

The two sides will meet in the decider at Kihihi Primary Ground in Kanungu on Saturday, November 12.

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put Joseph has named a provisional squad of 36 players that will later be trimmed thus deciding on the final squad.

The squad will be preparing for the double clash against Guinea and Somalia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The Cranes will first play Guinea on November 17^th before they take on Somalia four days later.

Both games are set to be played in Morocco as Uganda will be on the visiting side. The Belgian gaffer is expected to name the final squad on Sunday, November 12.

The team has given Ugandans hope after the prolific forwards Yunus Junior Ssentamu and Kizito Luwagga who had earlier been absentees in the international fold.

Uganda is in Group G with Algeria, Somalia, Guinea, Botswana and Mozambique.

Uganda Cranes Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Nafian Legason Alionzi (Mekelakeya SC, Ethiopia), Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Isima Bin Rashid Abdul Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Defenders: Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa, Uganda), Elvis Bwomono Okello (IBV Vestamanyaer, Iceland), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo CD Leganes, Spain), Ibrahim Juma (CD Leganes, Spain), Mustafa Kizza (KCCA FC, Uganda), Halidi Lwaliwa (FK Bregalnica, North Macedonia), Bevis Kristofer Mugabi (Motherwell FC, Scotland), Najib Fesali (URA FC, Uganda), Denis Timothy Awany (SC Ashdod, Israel), Benjamin Nyakoojo (Kitara FC, Uganda), Rogers Ochaki Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Midfielders: Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin FC, USA), Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Hudu Mulikyi (URA FC, Uganda), Allan Oyirwoth (AMUS College, Uganda), Bright Anukani (Vipers SC, Uganda), Rogers Mugisha (Gor Mahia FC, Kenya), Isma Mugulusi (Unattached), Joseph Kizito Luwagga (Hapoel Kfar Saba, Israel), Umaru Lutalo (SC Villa, Uganda), Ramsy Kawooya(Express FC, Uganda)

Forwards: Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Fred Amaku (Maroons FC, Uganda), Richard Basangwa (Wadi Degla SC, Egypt), Rogers Mato (Sanliurfaspor FC, Turkey), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC, Uganda), Yunus Sentamu (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jaockim Ojera (Rayon Sports FC, Rwanda), Fahad Aziz Bayo (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Travis Mutyaba (FC Dynamo Tbilisi, Georgia)

CECAFA U15 Boys Championship | Results

Saturday, November 4, 2023

• Uganda 15-0 Djibouti
• Ethiopia 1-1 South Sudan

Uganda Rhinos staged a perfect start to the 2023 CECAFA U-15 Boys Championship with a huge victory against hapless Djibouti.

The Rhinos registered a 15-0 win against Djibouti in a one-sided clash played at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Saturday afternoon.

Rhinos’ captain Abubakali Walusimbi led by example as he opened the goal-scoring party two minutes into the game.

Enock Bagenda extended the lead 13 minutes later, and Richard Okello scored the third in the 18th minute after dashing through bodies.

Bagenda and Okello completed personal hat tricks with a few minutes remaining in the first half, while Frank Ssekanjako drove the sixth nail into Djibouti’s backline at the end of the opening stanza.

Walusimbi’s effort from the 12-yard line bounced off the frame five minutes into the second stanza, preventing him from adding to his score.

Bagenda completed his hat trick in the 55th minute before Okello completed it five minutes later. Bagenda scored again in the 64th minute, and Walusimbi added another a minute later.

Owen Mukisa scored the 11th goal, and Simon Wanyama’s brace extended the margin with five minutes remaining.

Ronald Kigoye and Wanyama scored the 14th and 15th goals for the Rhinos, sending a warning shot to their opponents.

Uganda returns to action against South Sudan on Tuesday, November 7. Tomorrow’s action continues with Zanzibar taking on Rwanda at 12:30 PM and Tanzania taking on Somalia at 3:30 PM.