Mubiru returns to Lugogo as UPPC face KCCA in high-stakes clash

All eyes will be focused on the Philip Omondi Stadium Lugogo, where coach Abdallah Mubiru returns on Friday tonight to face his former side KCCA for the first time since his acrimonious exit last season.

Now in charge of an in-form newly promoted Entebbe UPPC side, the experienced tactician will be eager to make a statement against the club that dismissed him under controversial circumstances.

Mubiru was relieved of his duties in April last year during his second spell at KCCA, following a late-season slump in results. Fan pressure intensified after a heavy 4-0 defeat away to Kitara, a result that ultimately sealed his fate. The manner of his departure, reportedly communicated via a phone call by the club CEO left a sour taste and added extra edge to tonight’s reunion.

This time, Mubiru returns to Lugogo with momentum firmly on his side. UPPC are fifth on the table with 27 points, just three behind second-placed KCCA, and a win would see them draw level with their hosts.

The Entebbe-based side are unbeaten in their last seven matches, recording five wins and two draws, and boast an impressive away record having not lost on the road this season.

UPPC’s confidence is further boosted by a squad packed with experience and quality. League top scorer Ambrose Kigozi leads the attack with seven goals, while Issa Bugembe, Hassan Ssenyonjo and Muhammed Kanyike provide creativity and composure.

Several former KCCA players, including Mustafa Mujuzi, Julius Poloto, Steven Munguchi and Isa Mubiru are also set to feature, adding extra motivation to an already charged encounter. Assistant coach Livingstone Mbabazi brings further tactical know-how to a seasoned technical bench.

KCCA, meanwhile, know the stakes are high. Sitting second on 30 points, three behind leaders Vipers, the Lugogo side cannot afford to drop points if they are to keep their title ambitions alive.

A resounding 4-0 victory over UPDF earlier in the week restored confidence after a brief winless spell and eased pressure on co-coaches Brian Ssenyondo and Jackson Magera.

Sammy Ssebaduka, who scored twice in that win, alongside Joel Sserunjogi, Ivan Ahimbisibwe and Shafik Kwikiriza, will be relied upon to unlock a stubborn UPPC defence. KCCA can also draw strength from a strong home record, remaining unbeaten at Lugogo with six wins and one draw.

Elsewhere, league leaders Vipers will look to extend their winning run when they host struggling Buhimba United Saints at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende. In Bombo, UPDF and BUL meet in a clash of wounded sides desperate to return to winning ways.

Uganda Premier League
Friday, 4pm
UPDF v BUL
Vipers v Buhimba
At 8pm
KCCA v UPPC
Saturday 
NEC v Express
Calvary v Kitara
URA v Police
Maroons v Mbarara
SC Villa v Lugazi