Uganda Premier League Today,4pm
Kitara v BUL
BUL FC head into Thursday’s Uganda Premier League trip to Kitara with an unusual challenge on their hands: a reshuffled spine and a goalkeeper returning to familiar territory.
For the first time this season, the Eastern Giants will line up without Thomas Ikara, the ever-present shot-stopper who has anchored their solid start with four clean sheets in six games. Ikara is away on national duty in Morocco, leaving head coach Abbey Kikomeko to restructure his match-day plans at a venue where BUL have often found the going tough.
Injuries have stretched the squad further. Defenders Isaac Musiima and Martin Aprem have been ruled out, forcing BUL to dig deeper into their depth as they attempt to keep their unbeaten run alive.
Yet amid the absences comes a storyline of its own Farouk Yawe, once Kitara’s trusted goalkeeper, is poised to make his league debut for BUL at his former home ground in Butema. For the 24-year-old, the moment carries both emotion and opportunity.
“I’m grateful for the chance. Making my debut against my former team makes it even more special,” Yawe said. “The team is motivated, the camp is in high spirits, and we just want our fans to back us.”
Form suggests BUL should fancy their chances. The Jinja side have been stubborn travelers this season, conceding only twice on the road and remaining unbeaten after six matches. Their tally of 10 points places them firmly in the early title-chase conversation.
Kitara, however, remain unpredictable brilliant at home on their day yet inconsistent overall. They sit 10th with two wins from five matches and will be desperate to respond after losing to SC Villa before the international break. With their supporters behind them at Royals Park, Kitara will not be short of motivation.
BUL, meanwhile, were held 1–1 by NEC in their last outing, and victory on Thursday would push them to 13 points, keeping them well within striking distance of the leaders.
Recent history leans slightly in BUL’s favour. In the last seven meetings across competitions, they have won four times, drawn twice, and lost once. But under the Hoima lights, with Kitara eager to turn their season around and Yawe facing old teammates, this fixture promises a fresh chapter one neither side can afford to miswrite.
