Kitara will be desperate to end their three-match losing run when they face Mbarara City in the highly anticipated Western Derby at Kakyeka Stadium today at 4pm.
After a promising 3-0 victory in their season opener against Lugazi, The Royals have since struggled, losing consecutively to NEC, KCCA, and most recently to Police.
This poor run has left last season’s title hopefuls in a precarious 13th position on the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL) table, just one point above the relegation zone.
Kitara will be welcoming back defenders Jasper Aheebwa and Ramathan Dudu from injury, bolstering their squad as they look to bounce back.
However, the team will miss the services of key players Benjamin Nyakoojo and Rogers Mugisha, both sidelined with injuries.
The fitness of forwards Jude Ssemugabi and Denis Omedi, who recently returned from national duty with the Uganda Cranes, remains uncertain.
Mbarara City, on the other hand, heads into the derby with renewed confidence following a 2-0 win over BUL in their last match.
Livingstone Mbabazi’s Ankole Lions have remained unbeaten in their last three games after losing their season opener to SC Villa.
They currently sit 10th on the log with five points and will be eager to claim their first home win of the season, having drawn their previous home fixtures.
Key to Mbarara’s success will be the return of Ronald Edwok, who has recovered from malaria, while Edward Namasa remains sidelined with a knee injury.
Their last league victory at home was a 5-0 thrashing of Gaddafi back in March 2024, and they will be hoping to replicate that form today.
Historically, Kitara has found it difficult against Mbarara City. In their last four league meetings, Kitara has failed to secure a win, with three draws and one loss.
Additionally, Kitara’s last visit to Kakyeka Stadium ended in a goalless draw, while their home fixture last season finished 1-1.
Mbarara City hold a slight edge in form, but Kitara cannot afford another slip-up if they are to remain in the race for the title this season.
Important to note is that Mbarara City are unbeaten at home since losing to NEC on the opening day of last season, while Kitara are winless in their previous four Premier League meetings with Mbarara City
However, a win for Kitara would not only end their losing streak but also allow them to leapfrog their rivals on the table, while defeat could place further pressure on Ssenyondo, whose future at the club is already under scrutiny.
