ISBAT University Claim First Win as Bugema Suffer Second Consecutive Defeat in Pepsi UFL

Friday, November 6

ISBAT University 2-1 Bugema University

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ISBAT University registered their first victory of the 2026/27 Pepsi University Football League (UFL) campaign after defeating Bugema University 2-1 at Kira Road Arena on Friday.

Juma Ssekiziyivu’s coached side took control of the encounter early, with John Paul Kizito and Abdul-Rahman Andeku scoring within the opening 15 minutes to give the hosts a comfortable advantage.

On the other hand, Innocent Tumuhimbise’s powerful 70th-minute strike proved insufficient to rescue Bugema University from a second consecutive defeat in the competition.

John Paul Kizito opened the scoring in the first minute, converting Simon Ledule’s pass to give ISBAT an early lead.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 15th minute when Abdul-Rahman Andeku connected with Joshua Ssentongo’s delivery, leaving the Bugema University defence with no answer.

ISBAT continued to threaten the 2019 finalists in the first half, with Ssentongo coming close to getting on the scoresheet in the 35th minute. John Bgoba also had a glorious opportunity to extend the lead just a minute before the halftime break, but both efforts were denied by Bugema goalkeeper Nasser Kalulu.

After the restart, ISBAT found themselves under pressure as Bugema took the initiative and pushed forward in search of a way back into the contest.

The Adventists created several opportunities but struggled to break down ISBAT’s resilient defensive organisation.

However, their persistence finally paid off in the 70th minute when Innocent Tumuhimbise connected with Jonah Mwandah’s pass just outside the penalty area before unleashing a thunderous strike to pull one back.

The goal came five minutes after Mwandah had missed an opportunity to find the net, giving Bugema renewed belief as they pushed for an equaliser.

Despite their efforts, the visitors could not find another goal, with ISBAT holding firm to protect their advantage.

As the game approached its closing stages, tensions boiled over, with Bugema University protesting to match fourth official Aisha Nalwoga over a penalty appeal. The incident eventually saw head coach Andrew Mugagga and goalkeeping coach Ronald Kalungi sent off.

The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for ISBAT University, taking their points tally to four after opening their campaign with a goalless draw against KIU.

Meanwhile, Bugema University remain without a point after suffering two defeats in their opening two matches of the 2026/27 campaign, having previously lost 3-0 to defending champions Muteesa 1 Royal University.

Speaking after the victory, ISBAT’s second-goal assist provider Joshua Ssentongo praised his teammates’ preparation and the support they received from their home fans.

“From our preparations, we knew we were preparing for a big team and decided to handle them the way they are. It was good that we were at home with our fans, who gave us a reason to keep pushing,” he said.