UPL: KCCA FC breathe life into title chase with comeback victory

The Uganda Premier League title race remained alive on Wednesday evening as KCCA FC produced a dramatic late comeback to edge UPDF FC 2-1 at Bombo Military Ground and cut the gap on leaders Vipers SC to just three points with two rounds left.

KCCA move within striking distance of leaders Vipers

KCCA looked destined for a damaging defeat after Emmanuel Ochen gave UPDF the lead in the 36th minute following a disciplined first-half display from the hosts.

Despite controlling possession through Herbert Achai and Ashraf Mugume, the visitors struggled to create clear-cut chances before the break.

The Kasasiro Boys returned with renewed urgency in the second half and pinned UPDF deep inside their own half. Joel Sserunjogi fired over while Ivan Ahimbisibwe had an effort ruled out for offside, with goalkeeper Shamulani Kamya producing several important saves to frustrate KCCA.

However, the pressure eventually paid off late on. Substitute Emmanuel Anyama headed home Achai’s delivery in the 87th minute to restore hope before Katenga Opanga struck a minute later to complete a stunning turnaround and hand KCCA a vital victory. Anyama was later named Man of the Match for his influential cameo.

The win moves KCCA to 58 points, keeping them firmly in the title chase ahead of tricky fixtures against URA FC and Mbarara City, while UPDF remain four points above the relegation zone.

Elsewhere, defending champions SC Villa also came from behind to defeat Mbarara City FC 3-1 at Rwamwanja Stadium.

Mbarara City had looked the brighter side for large spells and finally took the lead in the 69th minute through Clinton Kamugisha after a competitive first half that ended goalless.

But Villa turned the game around through substitute Charles Lwanga, who made an immediate impact after coming on. The forward equalised in the 71st minute before striking again three minutes later to silence the home crowd and complete Villa’s comeback.

Charles Lwanga powers Villa into the lead#StarTimesUPL | #MBRSCV pic.twitter.com/IIUuHpJ4LX

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) May 13, 2026

Lwanga then capped off a brilliant cameo by setting up Andrew Otim for Villa’s third goal in the 81st minute as the visitors sealed an important away victory.

The result lifts Villa to 55 points as they continue pushing for a strong finish to the campaign, while Mbarara City remain hovering above the relegation zone with two games to play.

Meanwhile, NEC FC were awarded a walkover after bottom-placed Buhimba United Saints failed to turn up for their scheduled fixture at MTN Omondi Stadium. The development followed reports that head coach Robert Mukasa stepped down over months of unpaid salaries affecting both players and technical staff.