UPL: Isabirye and Mugerwa thrown straight into survival battles

The spotlight will firmly be on Alex Isabirye and Simon Peter Mugerwa as they begin their new assignments with BUL FC and Lugazi respectively when the StarTimes Uganda Premier League Matchday 12 resumes this Wednesday.

Isabirye returns for his third stint at BUL FC and will be under immediate pressure to inspire a turnaround when his side visits bottom-placed Calvary at Midigo Primary School Grounds. BUL’s season has so far failed to ignite, and the Jinja-based side currently sit 13th on the table, level on points with Lugazi, who occupy the final relegation place.

With survival already a growing concern, BUL know that nothing short of victory will do against Calvary if they are to begin climbing away from danger.

On paper, Isabirye’s men start as favourites, but the urgency of their situation leaves little room for complacency.

Kitara FC will host UPDF at Royal Park Butema

Elsewhere, Simon Peter Mugerwa faces an equally demanding test as he leads Lugazi into a tricky away fixture against NEC under the lights at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

Lugazi are stuck in the red zone with 10 points, just two behind NEC, who sit 10th, making this a six-pointer in every sense.

Both sides have struggled for consistency, with Lugazi winning only twice in their opening 11 matches, and NEC also desperate to steady their campaign. A positive result here could significantly shift the momentum for either side.

Earlier in the day, Kitara host UPDF at Royal Park Butema, looking to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Entebbe UPPC just before the break. The army side, however, are equally desperate for points as they try to distance themselves from the congested lower half of the table.

Matchday 12 Fixtures

Wednesday, January 7, 2026
• Calvary vs BUL – Midigo P/S Grounds, 4pm
• Kitara vs UPDF – Royal Park Butema, 4pm
• NEC vs Lugazi – MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, 8pm

Thursday, January 8, 2026
• Express vs SC Villa – Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, 8pm

Sunday, January 18, 2026
• URA vs Entebbe UPPC – Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, 3pm