Mbarara City part ways with Mbabazi mid relegation fight in Uganda Premier League

Mbarara City FC (@TeamMbararaCity)/X

With just three matches remaining in the 2024/25 Uganda Premier League (UPL), Mbarara City are seeking a new head coach following the departure of Charles Livingstone Mbabazi.

The Ankole Lions began life after Mbabazi on a high note, securing a vital 1-0 win away to Wakiso Giants on Tuesday, a result that breathed new life into their survival hopes.

The club officially confirmed the exit of the CAF “B” licensed coach in a statement released around midday on Sunday, May 4, 2025. “Mbarara City can confirm that a decision has been taken to relieve Charles Livingstone Mbabazi of his duties as the Head Coach,” read the announcement.

The club further added: “A caretaker to lead the club for the remaining four games of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League season will be announced later. We’d like to thank Charles Livingstone Mbabazi for his passion and effort during his time as Mbarara City Head Coach and wish him the very best for his next steps in the game.”

It was Mbabazi’s third stint at Mbarara City, and he adds to a coaching career that has seen him take charge of both local and international teams. Beyond his contributions at Mbarara, he has coached clubs including Vipers SC, URA FC, Lweza, Masavu, Onduparaka, Wakiso Giants, Kyetume, and Arua Hill. Internationally, he has served on the Uganda Cranes coaching staff and led the Somalia National Team.

The timing of Mbabazi’s exit couldn’t be more critical. Mbarara City currently sit 13th in the UPL table, just one position and three points above the relegation zone. After 27 matches, they’ve managed only six wins, drawn eight times, and lost 13 games – scoring 19 goals but conceding 31.

Their final three matches of the season are all slated for May. The Ankole Lions will travel to Luzira to face Maroons FC, before hosting Lugazi FC and Express FC at Kakyeka Stadium, in what promises to be a tense end to their campaign.