Kitara FC will look to tighten their chase for the Uganda Premier League summit when they welcome Bunyoro neighbours Buhimba United Saints in a derby clash on Friday at the newly built Hoima City Stadium.
The encounter carries extra significance as it will be the first competitive league match staged at the modern facility, marking another milestone for football in the Bunyoro region.
Kitara step into the contest with momentum and confidence. The Royals sit second on the standings with 43 points after grinding out a narrow 1–0 victory over Mbarara City FC in their previous outing. Victory on Friday would temporarily trim the gap between them and table leaders Vipers SC to just a single point.
Having previously featured at the venue during its official opening against KCCA FC in December, Kitara are already familiar with the surroundings and will hope the home advantage works in their favour.
Buhimba United Saints, however, arrive with their own ambitions. The newcomers are fighting to preserve their top-flight status in their debut season. They currently occupy 14th place with 15 points, only two above the relegation zone, following a slim 1–0 defeat to BUL FC in their last fixture.
Despite their struggles, Buhimba will draw belief from their earlier meeting this season, where they stunned Kitara in the first round.
Friday’s contest will also see forward Edson Agondeze face his immediate former side after switching from Buhimba to Kitara during the mid-season transfer window. The striker has since become one of the attacking options the Royals can rely on.
Elsewhere on Friday, BUL host Mbarara City at the FUFA Technical Centre, while Police FC face NEC FC at the Kira Road Police Arena.
Saturday Fixtures
The action continues on Saturday with several intriguing encounters across the country.
SC Villa travel to Bugonga to take on Entebbe UPPC at the Fisheries Training Institute Ground.
At Prisons Grounds, Maroons FC host UPDF FC, while Lugazi FC welcome KCCA at Najjembe.
The evening matches will see Express FC battle URA FC under the lights at the Hamz Stadium Nakivubo.
League leaders Vipers will then close the round when they entertain Calvary FC at the St. Mary’s Stadium.
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