Lugazi FC's unbeaten streak shakes up Uganda Premier League

Surprisingly, Uganda Premier League debutants Lugazi FC have defied expectations this season by remaining unbeaten against the league's top sides.

Few could have predicted this level of resilience at the start of their campaign.

Lugazi has managed to hold defending champions SC Villa and 13-time champions KCCA to 1-1 draws in both encounters. They also held six-time champions Vipers to a goalless draw and secured a historic victory over seven-time champions Express, marking their first-ever win in the top flight.

Additionally, Lugazi defeated current league leaders NEC with a 1-0 victory at their home ground, Lugazi Stadium in Najjembe.

The team is currently unbeaten in their last eight league matches, a run comprising six draws and two wins. Despite their impressive displays, they sit 12th on the table with 13 points, just four points above the relegation zone.

Today, Lugazi returns to Hamz Stadium Nakivubo, the venue of their historic win over Express, to face URA FC, another team that shares the stadium for its home games.

Lugazi fans, led by club chairman Abdul Kawuulu Mwanje, have expressed pride in the team's solid debut season but are eager to see more victories. With relegation looming as a potential threat, they hope the team can convert draws into wins to climb further up the table.

Lugazi assistant coach Oliver Mbekeka agrees with the fans that they need to convert draws into wins but also believes that a point gained is better than nothing.

“What matters is getting something from every game we play. To me, a point is better than nothing, but I agree that we need to start winning games,” Mbekeka remarked.

On the other hand, URA FC appears to be regaining their best form. The Tax Collectors have looked sharp in recent matches, including a 3-0 win over Wakiso Giants, a 2-1 victory against Express, and a 1-1 draw with NEC.

Currently in fifth place with 18 points, URA has an opportunity to leapfrog Express into fourth place with a win today. Express, on 19 points, will not be in action until Saturday, when they face Kitara away in Hoima.

URA forward Ivan Ahimbisibwe, the league’s leading scorer with eight goals in 12 matches, will be a key player to watch as he looks to add to his tally.

Meanwhile, at Kavumba Recreation Grounds in Wakiso District, Police FC will host fellow forces team Maroons FC. Police are in strong form and will be aiming to maintain their momentum, while Maroons are desperate to bounce back after suffering a humiliating 4-0 home defeat to Kitara FC.

Uganda Premier League

Thursday 

URA v Lugazi, 4pm

Police v Maroons, 4pm

Friday 

Mbale Heroes v Vipers, 4pm

KCCA v SC Villa, 7pm

Saturday

Kitara v Express, 4pm