At Mafubira Kavule Primary School, Butembe gave their home fans reason to believe again after edging Bukooli Namayingo 1-0 in a tense contest.
Coming into the tie with just two points from four matches, Butembe looked a shadow of last season’s champions in recent weeks. But backed by a noisy crowd, Isaac Kitakule’s men showed resilience, while Bukooli Namayingo were left ruing missed chances.
Right-back Peter Ondusi fired wide after being set up by captain Douglas Soita in the 11th minute, before Butembe keeper Sadiq Kalabuki pulled off two big one-on-one saves from Levis Baraza and Emmanuel Ogwang to keep the scores level.
Kitakule reacted by ringing changes, introducing Axam Ssegawa and later Erias Kayima alongside marksman Ivan Nakalanga. The tactical switch turned the tide, with Butembe’s frontline beginning to trouble Namayingo’s aging defense.
The breakthrough came on 67 minutes: Ashraf Ocen weaved through from the left and teed up Kayima, who slotted low into the bottom right corner for 1-0. Kayima nearly doubled the lead minutes later but his thunderous strike was kept out by Rashid Tezikoowa in the visitors’ goal.
Butembe held firm to seal three priceless points, moving to five from five games in Nendha group. Kigulu remain top on nine points after their 0-0 draw at Busiki, while Bukooli Namayingo sit second on six, level with Busiki.
“It was a deserved win. This gives us belief we can still qualify for the quarters in our last home match. No one writes us off till the last whistle,” said Butembe coach Kitakule.
Bukooli Namayingo coach Sirage Bogere admitted his side only had themselves to blame: “Despite the playing surface not favoring my players, we were beaten fair and square. But qualification is still in our hands if we win the last home game against Kigulu.”
Off the pitch, MTN Uganda handed out Kabode Super phones, with fan Fahad Kalinaki rewarded during halftime juggling contests, while match-winner Kayima also took home a device.
Sunday: Bunhole Bunanhumba eliminate Budiope
Two days later at Bugadde Primary School, Bunhole Bunanhumba—already eliminated—produced one of the shocks of the tournament, beating Budiope 2-1 with a stoppage-time strike from Waiswa Thomas.
The hosts went ahead in the 18th minute after Kasoro Mustafa was fouled in the box and skipper Mukama Muzafaru converted from the spot. Budiope drew level just before halftime, also from 12 yards, as Isoloza Geoffrey punished a handball with a calm finish.
The second half saw Bunhole Bunanhumba dominate, and the game exploded in stoppage time when Waiswa pounced on a loose ball and rifled into the bottom corner to seal a famous win.
The result eliminated Budiope with a game still to play against Bugweri, while Muzafaru was named Man of the Match, picking up an MTN Kabode smartphone for his efforts.
Elsewhere, Ivukula Sub County was the stage for another standout performance, with Bukono striker Nabola Emmanuel bagging a second-half brace (65’, 90’) to secure a 2-0 victory over Bugweri. Both sides are now joint group leaders on 10 points, already assured of a quarterfinal berth with a game to spare.
What’s nex?
The tournament continues midweek with Bukooli Bugiri hosting Luuka at Hindocha Primary School on Wednesday, September 17, before Bunha take on Bulamogi at Wembley Playground on Thursday, September 18.
