2025/26 Uganda Premier League | Wednesday January 7 | MD 12
- Kitara FC 2-1 UPDF FC
Kitara Football Club returned to winning ways on Wednesday evening with a hard fought 2–1 victory over UPDF at Royals’ Park in Butema, a result built on resolve as much as attacking quality.
Nervy late on but composed when it mattered, the Royals claimed all three points for their seventh win of the Uganda Premier League season.
Eager to respond after a narrow 1–0 defeat away to Entebbe UPPC, Kitara showed intent from the start.
The opening minutes were cautious, briefly interrupted by a heavy collision, before both sides settled into a balanced contest.
Clear chances were limited early. Yunus dragged a shot wide for the hosts, while UPDF goalkeeper Kibirige stayed sharp to deny James Ochen.
Kitara were forced into an early change when Patrick Kaddu was injured, with Crispus Asiki coming on in the 29th minute, a move that soon paid off.
Royals’ Park erupted five minutes later. Jimmy Kalema surged from midfield, rounded the goalkeeper and calmly finished into an empty net to put Kitara ahead.
UPDF barely had time to regroup before Asiki struck in the 39th minute, doubling the lead and giving the hosts a comfortable 2–0 advantage at the break.
The second half was about game management. UPDF pushed forward and briefly thought they had scored through Tara from a free kick, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Kitara stayed compact, soaking up pressure and keeping the visitors at arm’s length.
The tension returned late on. With four minutes remaining, Sekamate curled in a fine free kick to reduce the deficit and set up a nervous finish.
UPDF pressed, but Kitara slowed the tempo and defended stubbornly to see out the result.
At the final whistle, relief swept through Butema. The win lifts Kitara to 22 points, just one behind fourth placed SC Villa, while UPDF remain 13th on 11 points.
Kitara next face a tough away trip to NEC at Lugogo on January 22. UPDF, meanwhile, host Entebbe UPPC a day earlier as both sides look to build momentum.
