The StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL) lit up on Thursday with an electrifying display of football drama, as Lugazi FC and Police FC pulled off stunning second-half turnarounds to secure emphatic victories. Lugazi FC overcame an early deficit to defeat Soltilo Bright Stars 3-1, while Police FC humbled URA FC 2-0. Elsewhere, NEC FC outclassed Mbale Heroes 2-0 to stay hot on the heels of league leaders Vipers SC, who edged Maroons FC 1-0 to maintain their dominance.
At Najjembe, Lugazi FC treated their fans to a thrilling comeback after going behind in the eighth minute to a strike from Noordin Sadic Bunjo. The hosts responded with sheer resolve in the second half, led by a spectacular brace from Birungi Alvin Twiine. His equalizer in the 70th minute ignited the resurgence, before Moses Ojoaza Buga doubled the lead and Birungi sealed the victory with a third. It was a statement performance from Lugazi, who flipped the script with clinical second-half execution.
At Phillip Omondi Stadium, Police FC continued their renaissance under new head coach Mathias Ssalongo Lule. A goalless first half gave way to a masterclass from Umar Kasumba, who netted twice within three minutes to dismantle URA FC. The brace marked a return to form for the forward and underlined the impact of the club’s refreshed technical bench, with assistant coach Stephen Billy Kiggundu adding emotional edge against his former side.
NEC FC did not blink in their quest to chase down the title, dispatching bottom-placed Mbale Heroes FC 2-0 in commanding fashion. James Jarieko opened the scoring in the 32nd minute off a well-weighted corner from Ismail Kawawulo, before Cromwell Rwothomio doubled the lead shortly after halftime. The victory closed the gap on table leaders Vipers SC, who had earlier in the day edged a narrow 1-0 win over Maroons FC courtesy of Allan Okello’s 47th-minute penalty.
Meanwhile, Express FC showcased grit and resilience in a pulsating 2-2 draw against UPDF FC at the HAMZ Stadium. Trailing by two goals after 35 minutes, the Red Eagles clawed back through Sam Ssenyonjo and teenager Geoffrey Gaganga to salvage a crucial point. With the title race heating up and every point proving vital, Saturday’s blockbuster fixtures—featuring SC Villa, Kitara FC, Wakiso Giants, BUL FC, KCCA FC, and Mbarara City—promise yet more drama as the season reaches its climax.
