Matia Lule got off to a flying start in his new role as head coach of Police FC, guiding his side to a convincing 2-0 win over Mbarara City at Kavumba Grounds. Taking over from Simon Mugerwa, Lule’s tactical discipline and renewed team spirit were evident as the Cops executed a flawless game plan to secure all three points.
Elsewhere, SC Villa turned on the style with a commanding 3-1 victory over Mbale Heroes at a charged stadium. Simon Ssemayange opened the scoring in the 27th minute off a crisp assist from the industrious David Owori. The second goal came early in the second half, an unfortunate own goal by Samson Kasozi, again from an Owori delivery. Patrick Kakande sealed the win in the 87th minute, with Ashraf Mulindi setting him up. Mbale Heroes’ consolation came through Robert Eseru in the 76th minute, assisted by Herbert Kibirango.
David Owori was the standout performer, pulling the strings in midfield and earning the Player of the Match accolade. Despite the result, the clash was not without its fiery moments, as Abdul Malik Bironse, Simon Kato Ssemayange, and Samson Kasozi all saw yellow in a game that tested tempers and tactics alike.
Meanwhile, NEC FC delivered a statement of intent by stunning Kitara FC 2-1, throwing the title race into sharper focus. The victory puts added pressure on Vipers SC, who now face a must-win clash against Express FC in tomorrow’s night fixture at Hamz Stadium. With kickoff set for 7:00 PM, the Venoms know that anything less than three points could allow Hussein Mbarangu’s NEC to close in further.
As the league enters its critical phase, each fixture feels like a final. With new coaches stamping their authority and players rising to the occasion, the UPL is proving once again that a single match can turn tides and topple kings. Tomorrow’s blockbuster between Express and Vipers promises fireworks—and possibly, a reshuffling of the title equation.
