Abdallah Mubiru enjoyed a memorable return to familiar territory as he masterminded Entebbe UPPC’s narrow victory over former employers KCCA FC on Friday evening at the MTN-Omondi Stadium, bringing the first round of the 2025/26 season to a close.
Now in charge of the Printers, Mubiru guided his side to a hard-fought 1-0 win against the Lugogo outfit he previously served on two different occasions, with his most recent spell lasting from 2023 to 2025.
The match carried an extra layer of intrigue, with UPPC’s starting lineup featuring four ex-KCCA players, Julius Poloto, Steven Munguchi, Mustafa Mujjuzi and Isa Mubiru, all eager to make a statement against their former club.
In a tightly balanced contest, it was Ambrose Kigozi’s well-taken goal just before the interval that proved decisive, sealing all three points for the visitors.
The encounter began at a lively tempo, with both sides trading attacks early on. KCCA threatened first in the ninth minute when confusion inside the UPPC penalty area caused momentary panic, but the visitors eventually cleared their lines. Shortly after, a risky back pass from Mujjuzi nearly gifted the hosts an opening, though goalkeeper Rogers Omedwa reacted quickly to deny Shafik Nana.
Entebbe UPPC carved out their first real chance midway through the half when Muhammad Kyeyune unleashed a long-range effort that Charles Lukwago did well to keep out.
As possession swung from one side to the other, KCCA continued to probe. Ivan Ahimbisibwe fired over from close range following a neat overlap by Lazaro Bwambale, while another promising move soon after broke down due to poor coordination between Ahimbisibwe and Nana Kwikiriza.
A Joel Sserunjogi free kick later caused further danger in the UPPC box, but despite Ahimbisibwe’s clever control and quick footwork, Kwikiriza was unable to direct his effort on target.
Just as the half appeared to be heading for a stalemate, the breakthrough arrived. Isa Mubiru delivered a precise long ball from the left, releasing Kigozi behind the KCCA defence.
The forward showed composure to bring the ball under control before calmly slotting past Lukwago to give UPPC the lead at halftime.
After the restart, KCCA pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Sammy Ssebaduka came close in the 56th minute, but his header was comfortably dealt with by Omedwa. Moments later, Ssebaduka again turned provider, only for Ahimbisibwe to misdirect his header from point-blank range.
UPPC nearly doubled their advantage when Kyeyune rounded the goalkeeper and cut the ball back across goal, but no teammate was on hand to apply the finishing touch.
KCCA’s final clear opportunity arrived in the 66th minute. Ahimbisibwe’s shot was blocked by Ahmed Amayo, and Saidi Mayanja sent the rebound sailing wide, summing up the hosts’ frustrating evening.
Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, the Printers stood firm defensively to see out the win.
The result sees Entebbe UPPC leapfrog KCCA FC from second place on the table, although the two sides remain level on 30 points at the end of the first round.
