Written by Agaba Gilbert Mutamba
The StarTimes Uganda Premier League set the stage ablaze from Thursday, March 27, to Saturday, March 29, 2025, with a whirlwind of action that showcased the league’s unrelenting drama and competitive fire. NEC FC’s commanding win over Express, KCCA FC’s five-goal rout of Bright Stars, and SC Villa’s stunning upset of leaders Vipers SC headlined a weekend packed with unforgettable moments. Here’s a polished dive into the footballing spectacle that unfolded.
Thursday, March 27, 2025
NEC FC 3-1 Express FC
NEC FC kept their title aspirations burning bright with a 3-1 victory over Express FC at MTN Omondi Stadium. The hosts struck early as Muzamiru Mutyaba capitalized on a Marvin Kavuma pass to score in the 4th minute, exploiting a defensive slip. Kavuma, named Man of the Match, turned provider again in the 24th minute, setting up Paul Mucureezi for a stunning volley to make it 2-0. Ten minutes into the second half, Mucureezi assisted Allan Mugalu to extend the lead to 3-0. Express clawed one back through Conrad Ssenjogera in the 80th minute, but NEC’s grip on the game never faltered. The win, their 14th in 21 matches, hoisted NEC to second with 47 points, two shy of Vipers SC, while Express slumped to seventh with 28 points after a third consecutive loss.
Police FC 0-1 Kitara FC
Kitara FC snatched a 1-0 win over Police FC at Kavumba Recreation Ground. Jude Ssemugabi, fresh from national team duty and crowned Man of the Match, scored the decisive goal in the 55th minute, curling a shot into the top corner off a Solomon Okwalinga assist. Police hit the post in the 82nd minute but couldn’t pierce Kitara’s resolve. The victory, Kitara’s ninth in 21 games, lifted them to third with 32 points, while Police hovered near the relegation zone with 23 points.
Lugazi FC 0-1 Maroons FC
Maroons FC edged Lugazi FC 1-0, with Abel Eturude’s 19th-minute strike proving the difference. Named Man of the Match, Eturude’s goal delivered Maroons their eighth win of the season, boosting them to sixth with 30 points. Lugazi, enduring their seventh defeat, stayed just above the drop zone with 26 points.
Friday, March 28, 2025
Wakiso Giants FC 0-1 UPDF FC
UPDF FC clinched a 1-0 victory over Wakiso Giants at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium. Samuel Ssekamate made the most of a Frank Mugisha assist to score the only goal, lifting UPDF to 10th with 27 points. Wakiso Giants, mired in relegation trouble, remained third from the bottom with 14 points.
KCCA FC 5-0 Bright Stars FC
KCCA FC unleashed a devastating display, dismantling Bright Stars FC 5-0 at home. Bright Anukani ignited the rout in the 17th minute, followed by Usama Arafat’s strike in the 32nd. Saidi Mayanja tapped in the third in the 35th minute, and Anukani’s free kick in the 39th minute made it 4-0. Joao Gabriel sealed the thrashing in stoppage time (90+), affirming KCCA’s title credentials and leaving Bright Stars shell-shocked.
Saturday, March 29, 2025
SC Villa 1-0 Vipers SC
SC Villa delivered a seismic upset, toppling league leaders Vipers SC 1-0 at Wankulukuku Stadium. Charles Lwanga rose in the 39th minute to head home a pinpoint Patrick Jonah Kakande cross, securing a famous victory. Vipers’ Yunus Sentamu narrowly missed in the 60th minute, but Villa’s defense stood tall, keeping NEC within reach of the summit.
Mbarara City 0-0 BUL FC
Mbarara City and BUL FC fought to a 0-0 stalemate at Kakyeka Stadium. Nicholas Mwere’s 25th-minute effort tested Mbarara’s goalkeeper, and Joseph Kafumbe’s 78th-minute free kick drew a save from BUL’s Tom Ikara, but neither side could break through.
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URA FC 3-2 Mbale Heroes
URA FC emerged victorious in a 3-2 thriller against Mbale Heroes at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. Ivan Ahimbisibwe ended his goal drought with a 24th-minute header to open the scoring. Mbale Heroes struck back in the 46th minute through Robert Eseru, leveling it at 1-1, but Norman Namanya restored URA’s lead a minute later with a sharp finish. Ahimbisibwe converted a penalty in the 56th minute after Joseph Ssemujju was fouled, making it 3-1. Mbale Heroes rallied late, with Jesse Kajuba scoring in the 83rd minute, but URA held on. The win pushed URA to fifth with 33 points, while Mbale Heroes languished at the bottom with 10 points.
Key Highlights and Standout Performers
Goals: Eighteen confirmed across the weekend, with KCCA’s five-goal barrage and URA’s three-goal haul leading the charge.
Star Players: Bright Anukani (KCCA) and Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA) dazzled with braces, while Charles Lwanga (SC Villa), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara), and NEC’s Marvin Kavuma delivered clutch performances. Abel Eturude (Maroons) and Samuel Ssekamate (UPDF) also stood out.
Upsets: SC Villa’s triumph over Vipers and Kitara’s gritty win at Police showcased the league’s unpredictability.
Looking Ahead
NEC and KCCA signal their intent to challenge for the crown, while SC Villa’s upset keeps Vipers on their toes. URA’s narrow victory bolsters their top-four hopes as Mbale Heroes fight to escape the relegation mire. The Uganda Premier League pulses with excitement, promising more twists as the 2024/25 season unfolds.
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