Lugazi Vs Kitara: Team News, Probable Lineups, Preview and Stats
Saturday, September 14*Lugazi Vs Kitara – Lugazi Stadium Najjembe (Mabira), 4pm
Team News
Lugazi have not reported any new injury concern ahead of their first ever top flight fixture
New signings including Juma Mutebi, Bashir Asiku, Bashamu Mugwa etc are in contention
For Kitara, Benjamin Nyakoojo and Dudu Ramathan are injured
George Ssenkaaba is on compassionate leave while Frank Yiga is ready for selection
Probable Lineups*Lugazi – Fahad Emuran, Gift Lubega Muhammad, Emmanuel Obua, Bashir Asiku, Richard Ayiko, Ali Bayo, Moses Buga, Rogers Adriko, Samuel Ssemugugu, Nelson Mandela, Sharif Saaka.
Kitara – Crispus Kusiima, Maxwell Owachgiu, Arthur Kiggundu, Ronald Otti, Jasper Aheebwa, David Ndihabwe, Paddy Muhumuza, Solomon Okwalinga, Titus Ssematimba, Jude Ssemugabi, Denis Omedi
Preview: Lugazi Set For UPL Debut
Lugazi will host Kitara at Lugazi Stadium in Najjembe for their first-ever Uganda Premier League match.
Lugazi FC, formerly Kampala University FC, began its journey in 2010 with the Luweero District Football Association. They advanced to the Buganda Regional League after winning the Zonal Mini League in the 2012/2013 season.
After a setback in the FUFA Big League play-offs, the club reorganized and rebranded as Lugazi FC in 2020, and the rest is history.
Now, the team is preparing to face the top-flight challenge with considerable excitement in the Lugazi region, known for its football talent.
Gerald Efeti led the team to promotion on May 26 this year with a victory over Kaaro Karungi in Mabira. Since then, the club has appointed Sadick Ssempigi, formerly of Mbarara City, Arua Hill, and Jinja North, as the new coach.
Lugazi FC has made over ten new signings, including goalkeepers Juma Mutebi and George William Oluka, as well as experienced top-flight players Emmanuel Obua, Bashir Asiku, Rogers Atube, Rogers Adriko, Bashamu Mugwa, Sharif Ssaka, and Denis Lubowa.
The team has held several friendlies, including victories over Maroons and Wakiso Giants. Ssempigi will rely on these results as they prepare for Kitara’s visit. Captain Richard Ayiko and forward Sam Ssemugugu are expected to be key players.
Kitara enters the season as a strong title contender. Despite a near miss last season, they made a strong statement by winning the Uganda Cup.
New signings, including striker Fred Amaku, defender Ronald Otti, and creative midfielder Titus Ssematimba, are expected to play vital roles for coach Brian Ssenyondo.
In their last encounter at this venue during the 2022/23 FUFA Big League season, Kitara defeated Lugazi 3-0 with goals from John Wesley Kisakye (2) and Moses Sseruyidde. Kitara also won the second-round match 1-0, en route to their promotion to the UPL.
Lugazi Vs Kitara: Team News, Probable Lineups, Preview and Stats
News
Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
News
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
News
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum