After months away from the dugout, Abbey Bogere Kikomeko’s return to the touchline wasn’t about fanfare it was about resilience. The BUL FC head coach watched his side grind out a 1–1 draw against Express FC on Thursday at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, a result that, while modest, carried weight far beyond the scoreboard.
Back in the technical area for the first time since serving a six-month suspension handed down by FUFA in April, Kikomeko cut a calm but purposeful figure. His comeback symbolized a fresh chapter for both coach and club one defined by discipline, reflection, and renewed focus.
The tactician had been sanctioned for misconduct during last season’s Uganda Cup clash with Kitara, missing the decisive end of that campaign and BUL’s first four matches of the current one. His absence was felt, but the team managed to stay competitive, keeping themselves near the summit of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
Thursday’s stalemate, though not spectacular, extended BUL’s stay at the top with nine points from five games and for Kikomeko, it was a valuable building block.
“Express came with a different approach, and we knew it wouldn’t be easy,” he said after the game. “We created chances we didn’t finish, but the fight and organization from the players were encouraging. This is something to build on.”
The match itself was tight and tactical Express pressing high, BUL patient in possession, both sides struggling to turn half-chances into goals. But the result, for Kikomeko, was less about dropped points and more about rhythm rediscovered.
As BUL turn their attention to NEC FC next, Kikomeko is focused on fine-tuning the team’s attacking edge.
“We have a few days to prepare and correct what went wrong. NEC are a good side, but we’ll go for maximum points,” he added.
For a man returning from the sidelines, it wasn’t the perfect result but it was the perfect restart: measured, composed, and full of intent.
