Uganda Premier League (Today, 4pm)
At Rwamwanja stadium, Kamwenge
Mbarara City FC v KCCA FC
KCCA FC’s trip to Rwamwanja Stadium on Friday carries far more weight than just a push to reclaim top spot in the Uganda Premier League. It is a return to a fixture that flipped their title charge on its head last season one they won on the pitch but lost in the boardroom.
Though KCCA defeated Mbarara City 2–0 at Kakyeka, the FUFA Disciplinary Panel later awarded the match to Mbarara after ruling that the Lugogo side had fielded an ineligible player, Gavin Kizito. KCCA argued the issue stemmed from a referee’s failure to correctly record a yellow card, but the decision stood. That ruling still lingers in the memory of many at Lugogo, giving Friday’s encounter a sharp emotional edge.
This time, the stakes are different but just as compelling.
KCCA, currently second with 14 points, know that victory lifts them above SC Villa and back to the summit. Their form has been steady, and their win over URA reinforced the belief that they can keep pace in the title race. The return of co-head coach Brian Ssenyondo, fresh from duty at the U17 World Cup in Qatar, adds further stability.
On the other end of the pitch is a Mbarara City side scrambling for survival. Sitting 15th and stuck in the relegation zone, the Ankole Lions are desperate for traction. Their first league win of the campaign came only last week against Buhimba, and they remain without a home victory this season. The coaching shake-up following a run of poor results has only added to the sense of urgency.
Yet if there’s one thing Mbarara can count on, it is their trademark stubbornness at home something KCCA co-head coach Jackson Magera acknowledged.
“We face a side that has always been resilient when playing at home, but we are ready and have prepared well. We want to capitalize on our previous performance and play for maximum points,” Magera said ahead of the match.
The last 15 meetings between the two teams tell a story of narrow margins: KCCA have won six, Mbarara three, with six draws. KCCA have scored 15 goals in that period compared to Mbarara’s 10 numbers that hint at competitive but controlled contests.
TEAM NEWS
KCCA travel with several key reinforcements. Teenagers Brain Jjara and Steven Oyirwoth return from World Cup duty, while Cranes internationals Herbert Achayi and Shafik Nana Kwikiriza are back from Morocco and available for selection.
However, the injury list remains notable: winger Etienne Katenga is ruled out until the second round, defender Peter Magambo is still recovering from recent facial surgery, and Brazilian attacker Joao Gabriel continues rehabilitation for a groin injury.
For Mbarara, the story is straightforward win to escape the drop zone and finally thrill their home fans. For KCCA, it is about exorcising last season’s ghosts, asserting their title credentials, and reclaiming the league’s top seat.
Two teams with unfinished business meet again. Friday will decide who writes the next chapter.
