Match Day 16 of the Uganda Premier League wraps up today with three key fixtures.
Two of these include UPDF hosting Kitara at Bombo and a relegation battle between Mbale Heroes and Mbarara City at Mbale City Stadium.
Kitara Target Season Double Over UPDF
Kitara FC will be out to complete a league double over UPDF when the two sides clash at the Bombo Military Grounds.
The Royals claimed a dominant 4-0 victory in the reverse fixture at Royal Park Butema and will be eager to build on that result as they push for a top-four finish.
Under coach Wasswa Bbosa, Kitara have rediscovered their form after a sluggish start to the season.
The Hoima-based side have been ruthless in front of goal, scoring 28 times in 15 matches, while conceding just 12.
Their current run of four wins and a draw in the last five matches, including a 7-0 thrashing of Express in December, shows they have found the right momentum.
UPDF, meanwhile, have struggled to find consistency. After a decent start to the season, they have faltered, winning just once in their last five league outings.
Paul Kiwanuka’s side have lost their last three league games, scoring only twice while conceding six goals in that stretch.
With 17 points, they sit in 11th place, just above the relegation zone.
Kitara has dominated this fixture in recent meetings, winning all three previous encounters without conceding.
Another victory will see them climb to sixth place, level on points with URA.
Mbale Heroes Battle Mbarara City in Survival Fight
At Mbale City Stadium, bottom-placed Mbale Heroes host fellow strugglers Mbarara City in a crucial match for both teams’ survival hopes.
The Surgeons have endured a difficult campaign, sitting at the foot of the table with just nine points from 15 matches.
With only two wins all season, new head coach Baker Mbowa faces an immediate test as he begins his tenure.
Having signed over 11 players in the January window, he will hope his new-look squad can turn their fortunes around.
Mbarara City, in 13th place with 17 points, have been given a lifeline following a 3-0 boardroom victory over KCCA.
That boost has lifted their survival hopes, and another win here would provide much-needed breathing room.
Coach Livingstone Mbabazi will rely on seasoned players like Henry Kitegenyi and Seiri Arigumaho, while new signing Peter Onzima could make an impact.
The Ankole Lions won the reverse fixture 1-0 at Kakyeka, and they will aim to complete a double over the Surgeons in their bid to move further from the drop zone.
