2025/26 Uganda Premier League | Friday January 23 | MD13
- BUL FC 2-1 SC Villa
BUL FC continued their hold over SC Villa with a hard fought 2–1 victory at the FUFA Technical Centre, halting the Jogoos’ fine run and strengthening their revival under returning head coach Alex Isabirye.
Even before kick-off, recent history favoured the hosts. BUL had won five of the last ten meetings, including a 1–0 victory in their last fixture.
Friday’s result made it two straight wins over Villa with that of last season in consideration and a second consecutive victory since Isabirye’s return.
The match began cautiously, with both sides struggling to find rhythm. Nicholas Mwere’s early free kick drifted harmlessly wide, summing up a scrappy opening spell.
Villa were forced into an early adjustment after Najib Yiga picked up an injury, while BUL responded with a change of their own when Isaac Wagoina was replaced by Ibrahim Mugulusi midway through the half.
The breakthrough arrived on 32 minutes. Walter Ochola hurled a long throw into the box and Alex Kitata rose above his marker to head BUL into a deserved lead.
Villa pressed for a response before the break, Patrick Jonah Kakande winning a late corner, but BUL held firm to go into halftime ahead.
Villa returned with greater urgency after the restart and enjoyed long spells of possession. BUL adjusted, introducing Martin Aprem, while Kitata briefly received treatment after a collision with the goalkeeper.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 64th minute when substitute Reagan Mpande finished from close range after Ikara had parried his first effort.
Just as Villa threatened to take control, BUL struck back.
In the 73rd minute, a costly error by the Villa goalkeeper allowed Nicholas Mwere’s cross to slip into the net, restoring the hosts’ lead and sending the Njeru crowd into celebration.
Mwere’s lively display later earned him the Man of the Match award.
The final minutes were tense, marked by stoppages and bookings, but BUL defended with discipline to protect their advantage.
Six minutes of added time passed without further drama, sealing another memorable night for the Eastern Giants.
Kitata and Mwere scored for BUL, while Mpande netted Villa’s consolation. The defeat leaves SC Villa fourth on 26 points, as BUL climb to eighth with 16 and continue their upward climb.
Next up, SC Villa host Mbarara City at FUFA Kadiba Stadium on January 28, while BUL travel to Najjembe a day earlier to face Lugazi FC, full of belief after once again proving they have Villa’s number.
Match-day 13 will conclude on Saturday, January 24, with action spread across three venues.
Mbarara City FC will host Lugazi FC at Rwamwanja, while NEC FC take on Kitara FC at Lugogo.
The day will end at Hamz Stadium, where fans will be treated to a double-header.
Express FC face Buhimba United Saints before URA FC welcome Vipers SC in the late kick-off.
