Uganda Premier League: URA dig deep to deny Kitara summit spot

Uganda Premier League matchday 17 delivered late drama in Butema as Kitara FC were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by URA FC on Thursday evening.

Norman Namanya struck in the 66th minute to level matters for URA.#StarTimesUPL | #KITURA pic.twitter.com/tOMYrml1v8

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) February 19, 2026

The Royals walked onto the turf at Royal Park fully aware that victory would lift them to the summit. Ninety minutes later, that ambition was still intact but painfully deferred as URA battled their way to a result that kept Kitara behind leaders Vipers SC.

Kitara’s intent was clear from the opening exchanges. They dominated possession and pinned URA back early, and their pressure paid off in the 12th minute when George Ssenkaba applied a composed finish to a teasing delivery from Namasa Edward, sending the home fans into celebration and setting the tone for what looked like a decisive goal.

With the lead secured, Kitara pushed on, forcing corners and probing for a second goal that would have put daylight between the sides.

The tax collectors, however, refused to unravel. Gradually, they found their footing, competed for second balls, and used set pieces to stay within touching distance, embodying the resilience of a team fighting for survival.

The second half followed a similar pattern early on, with Kitara pressing and creating chances but failing to capitalise.

That profligacy proved costly. On 66 minutes, Norman Namanya struck to level matters, silencing the Butema crowd and swinging momentum firmly in URA’s favour.

The task became even harder for the hosts shortly after when Issa Lumu was dismissed for a foul on Bruno Bunyaga in the 68th minute, leaving Kitara to navigate the closing stages with ten men.

URA sensed opportunity and surged forward in search of a winner, but the Royals dug deep, holding their shape and salvaging a point.

When the final whistle blew, the draw felt like a victory for URA and a missed opportunity for Kitara.

The Royals remain second on 36 points, two adrift at the top, while URA climb to 13th with 15 points, edging above Buhimba United Saints.

Attention now turns to the next round of fixtures.

Kitara will host Entebbe UPPC on March 3, while URA return to action against Mbarara City at Hamz Stadium, buoyed by a result that could yet prove pivotal in their campaign.