Police FC kicked off the second round of the 2025/26 season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lugazi FC at the Kira Road Police Arena on Thursday.
The Cops produced an impressive first-half display, taking control early and racing into a two-goal advantage before the break.
Charles Bbale opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a powerful strike after Lugazi were caught playing out from the back. Brian James Obedi played Bbale through on the right and the attacker cut inside before unleashing an unstoppable effort.
Police doubled their lead in the 24th minute when Congolese forward Bedia Djuma Ikamba rose highest to head home from a Bbale cross, giving the hosts a deserved 2-0 cushion at halftime.
Lugazi returned with more urgency after the restart and head coach Simon Peter Mugerwa, facing his former side, made several substitutions in a bid to spark a comeback.
Introductions including Alfred Leku, David Bagoole, Umar Kyebatala and Moses Buga improved Lugazi’s tempo, but Police remained organised.
The game took a dramatic twist in the 77th minute when Ikamba was sent off for a second yellow card after being judged to have elbowed Paul Wasswa.
Despite Police attempting to substitute him before the decision was made, referee Joseph Masembe instead issued a red card, reducing the hosts to ten men.
Lugazi finally found a breakthrough late on after being awarded a penalty when Benon Tahomera handled the ball in the area. Abdul Kalanzi calmly converted in the 87th minute, but the goal proved only a consolation as Police defended bravely to secure all three points.
The win lifts Police FC to third on the table with 31 points, while Lugazi remain 11th with 15 points.
Police will next travel to face Buhimba United Saints on Tuesday, while Lugazi host UPDF a day later.
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