URA FC has ensured a return to winning ways this evening with a bang against Onduparaka FC in the bright sun at the Arena of Visions in Ndejje. The result marked the first-ever double against the Caterpillars since their inception into the topflight league.


In the buildup to the game, head coach Sam Ssimbwa had made clear the intentions to win by his side as they sought a return to the much-desired winning ways.


This was reflected in his starting lineup where Hannington Sebwalunyo continued in goal for the injured Alionzi Nafian, the centre back partnership was retained from our previous home league game against
Mbarara City with Patrick Mbowa retaining his place in midfield.


Partnering Mbowa in midfield with Brian Nkuubi who was starting just his second league game of the season. At the top of the attack was a returning Steven Mukwala who was sandwiched by skipper Shafik Kagimu and Joackiam Ojera on both flanks.


Halftime: 2-0


The tax collectors started the first stanza of the game like a house on fire and subjected their adversaries to immense pressure in the first 10 minutes, so much so that Ojera saw his goal ruled out for offside in the 9th minute.


Majwega came closest to scoring in the 18th minute with a perfectly struck freekick but was disappointed to see the opposition goalkeeper parry it out for a corner kick.


The dominance would continue with Steven Mukwala’s near-post header in the 23rd minute missing only by a whisker. At this rate, the tax collectors were dominating proceedings.


Shafik Kagimu would break the deadlock in the 35th minute with a magnificent strike beyond the reach of the opposition goalkeeper. All credit to Mukwala whose precision to pick him out still rates as special.


Mukwala would himself get the second at the 40th-minute mark with one of the most beautiful volleys one will ever see in the game. That would come to conclude the first half of the game.


Full Time: 3-1


The second half started with a change from the gaffer that saw Ojera pave way for Ssali Davis. Onduparaka responded with an early goal in the 54th minute making 2-1.


The skipper however had a different plan for the evening. It took him only 7 minutes to respond to the opposition goal with his second on the night and URA FC’s third.


He almost celebrated a Hattrick in the 77th minute but only to realize that Mukwala (who had set him up) was flagged offside.


The latter would later pave way for a returning Ibrahim Dada in the 78th minute before the game was concluded.

We caught up with Mukwala and talked us through his ambitions:


“My target was to score 20 goals at the start of the season. Am still pursuing the dream. We are left with 8 games and all I require is 9 goals. Let’s see what the remaining games bring.”

Mukwala Steven


The gaffer had nothing but praise for him team:


“Today was very important that we returned to winning ways. The team didn’t play to their best but I understand the fatigue from the fixture congestion. Our focus is on the game against SC Vipers.”


URA FC still seat top of the table with 4 points clear of SC Vipers who don’t play till Sunday 8/05/2021.

John Bugembe
May 7, 2021