Overview:
The only two drawn matches of Matchday 9 did not merely end in stalemates; both were punctuated by late drama that had significant implications for the league standings.
By the conclusion of Matchday 9, only eight of the nine scheduled fixtures had been played, with the Maroons versus Kigezi encounter postponed due to the unavailability of their designated home venue, Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku. The stadium was hosting the Buganda Masaza Cup final, which coincided with the scheduled date of the fixture.
The eight matches produced six outright victories and two draws, with a combined tally of 17 goals across the matchday.
Below are some of the key talking points from the round.
Away teams’ day out
Matchday 9 of Sizoni Pamoja proved particularly rewarding for the travelling sides, with away teams accounting for five of the six outright victories recorded across the round. From late winners to narrow victories, the visitors largely had the final say, making it a difficult weekend for home sides.
Police were the first to register an away victory, edging Kataka on Friday, 30 October 2026. Ali Bayo gave the Cops the lead before Ali Ssentamu restored parity, capitalising on the rebound after his penalty had been saved by Mathias Muwanga. Despite playing with ten men following Saidi Kyeyune’s earlier dismissal, Police found a late winner through Bedia Ikamba in the 86th minute to secure maximum points. The victory lifted Police to sixth with 14 points, while Kataka remain rooted in the relegation zone, still searching for their maiden league victory.
Meanwhile, NEC needed just one goal to overcome Blacks Power in Bukedea. Fahad Bayo’s strike proved decisive as the Diehards secured a narrow 1–0 away victory. The result keeps NEC third on the standings with 20 points, while Blacks Power remain seventh on 13 points.
Elsewhere, SC Villa made the trip to Najjembe to face Lugazi and returned with maximum points following a 2–1 victory. Frank Ssebuufu and John Asiimwe found the net for the Jogoos, while Livingston Mulondo grabbed a consolation for the hosts in a goal-scoring moment that attracted considerable controversy. The victory propelled Villa to the summit of the league table, while Lugazi slipped into the relegation zone.
KCCA also delivered an impressive performance on the road, registering a commanding 3–1 victory over Mbarara City. Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Sammy Ssebaduka and Charles Lwanga were all on target for the Kasasiro Boys, while Ronald Edwok scored the hosts’ consolation. The result extended KCCA’s winning streak to five consecutive matches, although they remain fifth on the table.
Finally, Kitara marked their return from continental engagements with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over UPDF at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. Benjamin Nyakoojo was the difference-maker for the Royals, finding the net before sustaining an injury that forced him out of the contest. The victory takes Kitara to 11 points, although they remain 10th on the standings, while UPDF occupy 13th position.
Late equalizers
The only two drawn matches of Matchday 9 did not merely end in stalemates; both were punctuated by late drama that had significant implications for the league standings.
BUL FC appeared to have done enough to secure maximum points at home after Alex Kitata broke the deadlock towards the end of the first half. However, just when victory seemed within reach, Reich Kokolo rose highest to head home a late equaliser for visiting UPPC FC. The result proved costly for the Jinja-based side, who consequently surrendered top spot and dropped to second place.
At Kira Road Arena, Ntugasaze FC were on the verge of claiming just their second victory of the campaign after Kennedy Muserero fired them into the lead. The hosts further had a goal controversially ruled out, but despite that setback, they appeared destined to hold on for a precious 1–0 victory. However, Express FC had other ideas. Henry Wamala struck in the 91st minute to rescue a point for the under-pressure Red Eagles.
Although the late equaliser offered Express some much-needed breathing space, lifting them to 12th position, it did little to ease the growing pressure on their head coach. For Ntugasaze, the late setback was another missed opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone, with the Brewers remaining firmly entrenched in the drop zone.
Vipers’ woes continue
Vipers’ woes deepened after suffering another defeat, their third of the season in just eight outings. The Venoms fell to URA following a costly goalkeeping error, as Loyce Mbaba misjudged Moses Aliro’s cross and allowed the ball to slip into his own net. The goal, however, sparked controversy, with widespread contention over whether the ball had actually crossed the goal line.
The result condemned Vipers to a second consecutive defeat, extending their winless run under new head coach John Luyinda. Their turbulent start to the campaign now reads two wins, two draws and three defeats from eight matches, leaving them eighth on 11 points.
URA, meanwhile, continued their resurgence with a third league victory of the season and their second in succession under new tactician Sam Ssimbwa. The Tax Collectors have now climbed to 11th position with 10 points, offering further signs of recovery.
With the season threatening to slip further away, attention now shifts to Vipers and how Luyinda intends to arrest the slide and get their campaign back on track.
Best team
Hafiz Khasim (URA)
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Brian Mato (Sc Villa)
Joshua Lubwama (URA)
Arther Kiggundu (URA)
Hakim Wandera (NEC)
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Frank Zaga (Kitara)
Ali Bayo (Police)
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Sammy Ssebaduka (KCCA)
John Asiimwe (Sc Villa)
Jerome Otim (Ntugasaze)
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Fahad Bayo (NEC)
Coach: Sam Ssimbwa
