UPDF finally breathed a sigh of relief on Thursday, ending a 12-match winless run with a commanding 3-1 triumph over Mbarara City at Bombo Military Ground, lifting themselves out of the relegation zone for the first time in months.
Emmanuel Ocen opened the scoring in the 30th minute, giving the hosts hope, but Mbarara City’s Muhammad Kanyike quickly equalized five minutes later, keeping the Ankole Lions in the contest.
The game shifted decisively in the second half as Andrew Samson Kigozi took control, scoring a brace that sealed the win for UPDF. His first strike in the 57th minute put the army side back in front, and he later doubled the advantage to finish the game emphatically.
The victory lifts UPDF to 13th place on 17 points, two points clear of the relegation zone, while Mbarara City slipped just below them, highlighting the fine margins at the bottom of the Uganda Premier League table.
This win ends a frustrating run that saw UPDF fail to win since December 5, when they beat Lugazi, and brings renewed hope for survival in the top flight as the season approaches the business end.
