Matchday 13 of the Uganda Premier League (UPL) delivered a thrilling spectacle, packed with goals, drama, sibling rivalries, and even a sprinkle of social media banter, as the action unfolded from Wednesday, December 18, to Saturday, December 21.
From thrashings, hat tricks and braces to unexpected results, fans were treated to an early Christmas present. Here’s how it all unfolded:
Bright Stars 2-1 UPDF
At Kavumba Recreation Centre, the Soltilo Bright Stars gave their fans a rare moment of joy, edging UPDF 2-1 for only their second win of the season.
Interim coach Ian Mutenda masterminded the victory, which gave Bright Stars a glimmer of hope in their relegation battle.
Warren Buule opened the scoring with a header in the 31st minute, and Ashraf Mulindi doubled the lead a minute later.
Although UPDF’s Samuel Ssekamatte converted a penalty just before halftime, Bright Stars held firm to claim all three points, a crucial boost as they fight to climb off the bottom of the table.
BUL 1-1 NEC
At Lugazi Stadium, BUL and early title contenders NEC played out an intense 1-1 draw.
NEC’s Cromwell Rwothomio put the visitors ahead in the 37th minute with a header from a Gadaffi Wahab free kick, but BUL’s Nicholas Mwere struck late to salvage a point for the Eastern Giants.
Despite their resilience, BUL have struggled at their new home, Lugazi Stadium, managing just one win since their relocation from Njeru.
NEC, meanwhile, retained their spot at the league summit, albeit temporarily.
URA 1-0 Lugazi
All eyes were on the touchline as brothers Alex Isabirye and Steven Bogere faced off as coaches of URA and Lugazi, respectively.
Alex’s URA emerged victorious, thanks to Ivan Ahimbisibwe’s 23rd-minute goal—his ninth of the season, making him the league’s second-top scorer.
Ahimbisibwe’s goal came from a sensational solo run and assist by Joseph Ssemujju, and though Lugazi had opportunities, they couldn’t break through URA’s disciplined defense.
The win solidified URA’s fourth-place position, while Lugazi remained in the lower half of the table.
Police 1-2 Maroons
At Kavumba Recreation Ground, Ivan Asaba stole the show, scoring twice to lead Maroons to a 2-1 comeback win over Police.
Isaac Ogwang had given Police an early lead with a fine header, but Asaba equalised from the penalty spot before sealing the win in the second half with a composed finish.
Maroons’ third consecutive away win lifted them to sixth place, while Police suffered their first home defeat of the season.
Mbale Heroes 0-4 Vipers
The Venoms ascended to the top of the table in style, thrashing Mbale Heroes 4-0 at Mbale Municipal Stadium.
Milton Karisa and Allan Okello were once again in unstoppable form, each scoring twice.
Karisa opened the scoring in the 10th minute, while Okello added a quick second after halftime.
Okello’s second of the day made him the league’s top scorer with ten goals, while Karisa’s brace brought his tally to seven.
Vipers now lead the table with 28 points, one ahead of NEC.
KCCA 1-1 Villa
Under the Lugogo floodlights, the Kampala Derby between KCCA and SC Villa ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
Sadat Anaku’s 63rd-minute header gave KCCA the lead, but Villa’s Jonah Patrick Kakande equalised five minutes later.
Both teams missed chances to secure all three points, with Charles Lwanga striking the crossbar for Villa.
The draw kept KCCA third in the standings, five points off the top, while the defending champions Villa now sit eighth.
Saturday, December 21: Kitara Run Riot; Express Humiliated
Kitara 7-0 Express
The highlight of Matchday 13 was Kitara’s jaw-dropping 7-0 demolition of Express at Royal Park in Hoima.
Former Express forward George Ssenkaaba ran riot with a hat trick, while Jude Ssemugabi bagged a brace.
Fred Amaku and David Ndihabwe also got on the scoresheet.
Express, missing head coach Badru Kaddu and reportedly grappling with salary delays, were overwhelmed from start to finish.
Kitara’s 21 goals in their last five matches without conceding underline their attacking and defensive prowess, and the win lifted them to ninth place.
Social Media Banter
The thrashing sparked a wave of banter on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter).
Kitara posted a cheeky poster featuring an eagle ((Express’ emblem) fleeing in fear, while Vipers and Villa joined in, mocking Express with memes and sarcastic questions.
The light-hearted trolling added to the weekend’s drama.
Matchday 13 Recap: The Numbers
– Top Scorers:
Allan Okello (10 goals), Ivan Ahimbisibwe (9), Charles Lwanga and Jude Ssemugabi (8 each).
– Table Standings:
Vipers lead with 28 points, followed by NEC (27) and KCCA (23). At the bottom, Wakiso Giants, Mbale Heroes, and Bright Stars each have 9 points.
Matchday 13 encapsulated everything fans love about football—goals, rivalries, surprises, and humour.
With Vipers and NEC locked in a fierce battle for the top and teams like Kitara surging in form, the UPL promises even more excitement in the weeks ahead.
The league returns on Saturday, December 28 with the final match day 13 clash between Mbarara City and Wakiso Giants.
Then, match day 14 will be played between 2nd and 5th January 2025.
