Kitara FC bounced back to winning form with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Police FC at Kavumba Recreation Ground as the StarTimes Uganda Premier League matchday 21 kicked off.
Returning from national team duty, Jude Semugabi proved to be the difference-maker, heading in the decisive goal in the 54th minute from a well-delivered set-piece by substitute Solomon Okwalinga.
Police FC had their chances early on, with Brian Obedi testing goalkeeper Kusiima in the seventh minute, but his effort was comfortably dealt with.
Ndihawe also came close for the visitors, but Edward Kasibante’s acrobatic save kept the game level.
The home side had to make an early substitution, bringing on Emmanuel Mugume after Steven Kabuye was forced off with an injury.
Goalless at halftime, both teams looked to shift gears in the second period. Kitara’s head coach, Wasswa Bbosa, made strategic changes, introducing Youngster Byaruhanga and Solomon Okwalinga, moves that paid dividends as Okwalinga set up Semugabi’s winner.
Police FC pushed for an equalizer, with Obedi and Gerald Ogweti probing the Kitara defense, but the visitors held firm until the final whistle. The victory propelled Kitara to fourth place with 32 points, while Police FC stayed 12th, nine points clear of the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, NEC FC dominated Express FC under the Lugogo floodlights, cruising to a convincing 3-1 win.
Muzamir Mutyaba opened the scoring in the fourth minute, finishing off a well-placed Marvin Kavuma pass. Kavuma turned provider again in the 20th minute, setting up Paul Mucureezi for NEC’s second goal.
Substitute Allan Mugalu sealed the victory in the 54th minute, netting NEC’s third after replacing Enock Ssebaggala.
Express FC found a late consolation in the 81st minute through Conrad Ssenjogera, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback.
The result saw NEC close the gap on table leaders Vipers to just two points, climbing to 47, while Express remained in seventh place with 28 points.
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