Defensive midfielder Jerome Kirya has extended his stay at BUL FC after putting pen paper on a two-year employment contract.

This means Kirya will be committed to the Eastern Giants until 2026 after extending his stay at the Jinja-based club before his contract expires.

The development was made public on Saturday, January 27 through a statement shared on the club’s official website.

“We can announce the midfielder Jerome Kirya has signed a two-year employment contract extension with BUL,” the statement partly reads.

“He commits to the Eastern Giants at least until July 2026 since his earlier contract was meant to expire in June this year,” it went on.

After putting the pen on paper, Kirya expressed his gratitude noting he badly wanted to stay at a club that equally wanted him.

“I was sure I wanted to stay here for a long time and was also sure the club wanted me to,” Kirya was quoted by the club’s website.

“Everything was peaceful, and now we can fully concentrate on what is already looking like a great season,” he added.

Kirya joined BUL in 2021 from Busoga United, during his time at the club he helped the club lift the Uganda Cup and also finished in fourth place for the first time.

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.

Uganda Premier League | Results

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

• BUL FC 1-0 URA FC

Alex Kitata scored the only goal as BUL FC gathered maximum points against URA FC for their sixth straight league win.

BUL FC registered a 1-0 narrow victory against the Tax Collectors in the Uganda Premier League clash played at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Tuesday evening.

After playing to a goalless and closely contested first half, Kitata got his name on the scoreboard five minutes into the second stanza of the game.

The Tax Collectors will feel undone for the many chances that were put to waste since the game was separated a a narrow margin.

The first chance of the game landed to Emmanuel Oketch but his effort from range was palmed away by BUL custodian Tom Ikara.

Seven minutes later, the home side came close through Martin Aprem who forced Denis Otim into a finger-tipped save.

Joseph Semujju was left with only a keeper to beat but Ikara stood big and firm in the goal to keep the home side in the game.

The 45 minutes came to an end after a busy first half but no side had seen the back of the net.

Kitata found himself in the right position to tap home after a miscommunication from Otim and defender Hudu Mulikyi on 50 minutes.

In the 64th minute, URA FC brought Ikara into action through Joshua Lubwama’s freekick but the custodian was equal to the challenge.

With 14 minutes left on the clock, Ivan Ahimbisibwe’s effort went wide by inches after being set up by Moses Aliro. It was a big chance for URA to level matters but they were so unlucky on the day.

The victory keeps the Oil makers on top of the log with 18 points while URA FC are sixth with nine points.

Uganda Premier League | Results

• SC Villa 1-2 BUL FC

BUL FC edged SC Villa in a  2-1 victory in the Uganda Premier League on Tuesday at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

Just as expected, SC Villa enjoyed the biggest percentage of possession but will need to have time to reflect on two errors that caused goals in the first stanza.

After the one-all draw against Vipers SC, the Jogoo has a reason to believe that they could squeeze something positive from the clash against BUL.

Patrick Kakande should have put SC Villa ahead after BUL FC goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa fumbled with Peter Onzima’s long-range effort. But the custodian later recovered to correct his earlier mistake.

On the other hand veteran forward Alex Kitata failed to meet Martin Aprem’s delivery by inches.

George Kasonko gave the visitors a lead in the 35th minute after a lapse in SC Villa’s backline. Ronald Otti nodded Jeromy Kirya’s corner into play and Kasonko was quick to guide it into the back of the net.

Two minutes later Otti doubled the lead. The lanky backline jumped highest to node home, Edward Masembe could have done better to deny the goal but his clearance was mistimed.

At the start of the second stanza, Charles Lwanga and Ronald Sekiganda replaced Ivan Bogere and Diego Semugera.

Goalkeeper Norman Angufidru denied Kasonko’s low shot in the 48th minute to keep the game in reach.

Eleven minutes later, Umar Lutalo halved the deficit with a calm finish in a tough angle.

From that point onward, SC Villa through all bodies upfront in search of a leveller but BUL’s backline stood tall and firm.

The victory takes BUL FC to the log summit with 15 points gathered in five games played.

While Villa dropped to the ninth position with five points.

How they lined up

SC Villa: Norman Angufidru (GK), Kenneth Semakula, Arnold Odong, Peter Onzima, Elvis Ngonde, Ivan Bogere, Unar Lutalo, Gavin Kizito, Diego Semugera, Edward Masembe, Patrick Kakande

BUL FC: Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Walter Ochora, Ronald Otti, George Kasonko, Douglas Muganga, Jeromy Kirya, Pascal Ngobi, Hillary Onek, Reagan Kalyowa, Martin Aprem, Alex Kitata

• Uganda Premier League | Results
• Sunday, October 1, 2023
• Arua Hill SC 1-2 BUL FC

Ten-man BUL edged Arua Hill SC in a 2-1 victory in the Uganda Premier League at Paridi Stadium, Adjumani on Sunday evening.

With the send-off of defender Benon Tahomera in the 67th minute, BUL had to fight hard to get maximum points.

It was the second loss at home and three overall in the league as the Kangolo continues with their ugly start to the 2023/24 season.

On the other hand, the oil manufacturers keep a perfect run with three victories in as many games played thus far.

Alex Kitata’s close-range finish gave the visitors a lead after getting a perfect touch-off, Joel Madondo was the provider.

Six minutes later, John Rogers Okumu responded with a thumping header off Gadafi Wahab’s freekick to level matters.

As the second stanza kicked off, the hosts showed intent and hunger but failed to find the back of the net.

Ibrahim Orit came so close with a venomous shot but it went above the frame by an inch.

BUL was reduced to 10 men after Tahomera was given matching orders after his harsh tackle on Rashid Kawawa.

In the 73rd minute, Lawrence regained BUL’s lead getting on the end of Kitata’s precise flick off a long throw-in.

The victory took BUL FC to nine points from three outings. The Super 8 champions will return to action on Friday, October 20 as they host Maroons FC.

Arua Hill SC will play against Gaddafi in a battle of wounded buffaloes at Paridi on Thursday, October 19.

How they lined up

Arua Hill: Abubaker Kasimba (GK), Ibrahim Musa, Yusuf Makutum, Kerepi Jafar, Nelson Mandela, Musa Sali, Denis Andama, Wahab Gadafi, Frank Kalanda.

BUL XI: Tom Ikara (GK), Pascal Ngobi, Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Emmanuel Obua, Hillary Onek, George Kasonko, Benon Tahomera, Jeromy Kirya, Joel Madondo, Alex Kitata

Uganda Premier League | Saturday Results

• BUL FC 1-0 KCCA FC
• Express FC 0-0 Mbarara City
• Wakiso Giants 1-1 Bright Stars

BUL FC edged KCCA in a 1-0 victory in the Uganda Premier League at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Saturday evening.

KCCA FC nearly took the lead in the seventh minute, Silva Cungulo was in the right position for a rebound but his effort went wide.

Derrick Ochan made a stunning to block Alex Kitata’s effort from close range.

At half an hour mark, BUL goalkeeper Tom Ikara denied Ashraf Mugume in a reflex save. Mugume was set up by Joel Sserujongi in an emphatic pass but the goalkeeper cleared his lines.

Gui Cungolo found the KCCA’s best chance in the first stanza but only witnessed his well-weighted effort go narrowly wide of the frame.

Eight minutes into the second stanza, BUL defender Walter Ochora intentionally held the ball and KCCA FC were awarded a free kick in a great position. Gui stepped up but curled it an inch above the frame.

In the 77^th minute, Nicholas Mwere was in the right position to powerfully head a well-taken freekick into the net to break the deadlock. 

The victory takes BUL FC to six points in two games played in the ongoing 2023/23 Uganda Premier League.

The loss to KCCA FC means the Kasasiro Boys have no point this season having missed match day one due to their continental engagement.

BUL FC will return to action on Sunday, October 1 as they visit Arua Hill SC at Paridi Stadium, Adjumani while KCCA will miss the UPL matchday three since they will be taking on Abu Salim in the CAF Confederation Cup return leg of the final preliminary round.

How they lined up

BUL FC XI: Tom Ikara (GK), George Kasanko, Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Lawrence Tezikya, Jeromy Kirya, Pascal Ngobi, Hillary Onek, Regan Kalyowa, Alex Kitata, Benon Tahomera

KCCA FC XI: Derrick Ochan (GK), Julius Poloto, Silva Cungulo, Peter Magambo, Herbert Achayi, Ashraf Mugume, Abubaker Mayanja, Joel Sserujongi, Kizza Arafat Usama, Haruna Lukwago, Filbert Obenchan

• FUFA Super 8 Semifinals | Result
• BUL FC 1(6)-1(5) SC Villa

BUL Football Club stormed the finals of the FUFA Super 8 after edging SC Villa on penalties.

In normal time, the two sides played to a one-all draw in the game that was played at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Monday.

The Jinja-based side showed composure and maturity fighting from a goal down to later register maximum points on the evening.

In the 10th minute, David Owori nearly gave SC Villa the lead from close range but BUL’s custodian Joel Mutakubwa pulled off a stunning save.

Nine minutes later, Peter Onzima delivered a darling cross into the area but Ivan Bogere failed to take away the cut clear chance.

As the game got closer to the half-hour mark, Reagan Kalyowa started to ask the SC Villa defence questions thus sending Simon Mukisa into the referee’s small book.

In the 26th minute, Onzima finally found the back of the net capitalising on Bogere’s precise through pass.

With four minutes to end the first stanza, Kalyowa was once again fouled at the edge of the area but the center referee awarded BUL a penalty.

Samuel Sekamatte stepped up for the assignment and sweetly guided the ball past Meddie Kibirige to restore parity.

The second stanza was cagey as both sides struggled to get ahead of the other.

It will be a painful evening for the Jogoo who claimed the penalty leading to an equalizer was from a foul that was outside the box.

After 90 minutes, the center referee sent both sides into penalties.

Samuel Sekamatte, Benon Tahomera, Ronald Otti, Joel Mutakubwa, Lawrence Tezikya, and Ibrahim Mugulusi scored for BUL while Douglaus Muganga fired the ball off target.

Umar Lutalo, Hamza Mulambuzi, Edward Masembe, Patrick Kakande, and Hakim Mutebi scored for SC Villa while Kenneth Semakula and Ronald Sekiganda failed to find the target from the 12-yard mark.

Starting XIs

BUL FC XI: Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Douglaus Muganga, Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Nicholas Mwerere, Kazindula, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Martin Aprem, Samuel Sekamatte, Reagan Kalyowa

SC Villa XI: Meddie Kibirige (Gk), Peter Onzima, Umar Lutalo, Kenneth Semakula, Edward Masembe, Simon Mukisa, Hamza Mulambuzi, Ronald Ssekiganda, Hakim Mutebi, David Owori, Ivan Bogere

• FUFA Super 8 | Results
• Thursday, August 10, 2023
• BUL FC 1-0 Vipers SC
• SC Villa 2-1 Maroons

BUL FC squeezed a 1-0 victory against Vipers SC in the FUFA Super 8 quarterfinals at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Thursday.

Samuel Ssekamatte’s second-half strike from the spot was the difference between the two sides on the day.

In the 19th minute, Fumador Asiwome placed the ball into the net but the joy was short-lived since it was cancelled sighting an offside.

David Bagoole’s rebound landed onto Milton Karisa’s feet but the captain’s resultant effort went direct into Tom Ikara’s hands.

Samuel Ssekamatte came close through powerful efforts from a distance but his anticipation hardly paid off in the first stanza.

At the start of the second half, Vipers’ coach Leonard Neiva introduced Rodriguez Giancarlo and Karim Watambala for Asiwome and Bagoole.

In the 47th minute, Livingstone Mulondo fouled Reagan Kalyowa in the dangerous area and BUL FC were given a penalty.

Ssekamatte stepped up and converted from the spot to give the hosts the lead.

Six minutes later BUL forced Mutombora into a double save denying Kalyowa and Martin Aprem from close range.

Vipers made another change bringing on Abdul Lumala to replace Siraje Sentamu as they searched for an equaliser.

Giancarlo later set up Yunus but the forward’s attempt went way and wide giving away a cut clear chance.

BUL’s victory takes them into the semifinals of the ongoing tournament while Vipers will play Maroons FC in the classification games.

How they lined up

Vipers SC XI: Fabien Mutombora (Gk), Ashraf Mandela, Isa Mubiru, Livingstone Mulondo, Hillary Mukundane, Patrick Mbowa, Siraje Sentamu, David Bagoole, Yunus Ssentamu, Fumador Asiwome, Milton Karisa

BUL FC XI: Tom Ikara (Gk), Ronald Otti, Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Douglas Mugara, George Kasonko, Jeromy Kirya, Pascal Ngobi, Samuel Ssekamatte, Reagan Kalyowa, Martin Aprem

FUFA Super 8 | Fixture

Thursday, August 10, 2023

• BUL FC vs Vipers SC

BUL FC head coach Abbey Kikomeko has called upon fans to witness a huge goal harvest as they play national champions Vipers SC.

BUL will be hosting Vipers SC in the FUFA Super 8 championship at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Thursday evening.

It will be Kikomeko’s first official game since taking over the coaching role at the Jinja-based side.

“I call upon all fans to come and witness a great goal harvest,” Kikomeko said during a pre-match press conference.

“We are playing against Vipers, one of the biggest clubs in the country. It will be our first game in the Super 8 and it’s a perfect match to help us know where we lie ahead of the new season.”

“The players are in good shape and I expect them to stage a maximum performance. We need to give it our best so that we prove that we badly want the title.”

“The team had the challenge of scoring less last season. It’s an aspect we have given attention to in training. We also managed to bring players that we know shall get us the goals,” he stressed.

According to the gaffer, BUL has no player injured and the whole squad will be available for selection.

Vipers SC are the defending champions of the Super 8 tournament having beaten KCCA FC 2-0 in the last edition.

Uganda Premier League side BUL FC and forward Ibrahim Orit have failed to agree on terms.

The two parties were close to agreeing on terms for a transfer but the difference in the valuation of sign-on fees halted the process.

The Jinja-based side reportedly tabled UGX 10 million as a sign-on fee for the former Vipers SC player but that was not enough to lure him to BUL FC.

BUL FC’s new tactician Abbey Kikomeko is a great fan of Orit and this has been proven in how he is pushing the club’s board to sign off the player.

However, Kikomeko also understands that the team will not stretch beyond their shoulders for a player but rather weigh on the other options.

A source close to the player said that the player expects close to UGX 20 million as a sign-on fee and is not ready to go far from that.

BUL FC’s other options in the same position are Gaddafi’s Brian Kalumba and Onduparaka’s James Jarieko who is also a student of Jinja Progressive, a school attached to the club.

The club has already announced the signing of Gerald Ogweti, Joel Mutakubwa and Joel Madondo in the ongoing transfer window.