UPL: Kigozi Nets Brace as UPDF Move Out of Relegation with Win Over Mbarara

Samson Kigozi scored a second-half brace as UPDF FC defeated Mbarara City 3-1 on Thursday afternoon to register their first Uganda Premier League win of 2026.

UPDF FC secured the victory through goals from Kigozi and Emmanuel Manu Ochen, while Muhammed Kanyike scored the lone goal for Mbarara City.

In the match played in Bombo, UPDF FC ended a long wait for a league win, having last tasted victory on 5 December 2025 against Lugazi FC.

Emmanuel Manu Ochen gave the hosts the lead after 30 minutes, but Muhammed Kanyike equalised for the visitors, ensuring the sides went into the break level.

After the restart, UPDF regained the lead 13 minutes into the second half, with Samson Andrew Kigozi finding the back of the net to put the hosts ahead.

Mbarara City pushed for an equaliser, but with 12 minutes remaining, Kigozi struck again to extend UPDF’s lead and seal the victory for the army side.

Kigozi’s second-half brace proved decisive, as UPDF FC collected all three points and moved out of the relegation zone, while Mbarara City dropped into it.

UPDF FC now sit 13th on the table with 17 points, while Mbarara City are 14th with 16 points.

In their next fixtures, UPDF FC will host Express FC on 15 April 2026, while Mbarara City will face Police FC the following day.

Matchday 22 of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League continues later this evening, with NEC FC hosting URA FC at the MTN-Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.