Lugazi FC were left incensed after a contentious sequence of officiating decisions overshadowed their narrow 1-2 loss to Kitara FC in a Uganda Premier League encounter on Saturday at Najjembe.
The match appeared poised on a knife edge at 1-1 heading into the closing minutes, but the turning point arrived deep into the second half.
Lugazi felt they had a legitimate claim for a penalty in the 87th minute when Alvin Birungi went down under a challenge from Henry Musisi inside the box. However, referee Lucky Kasalirwe dismissed the appeals, allowing play to continue.
FULLTIME pic.twitter.com/WlHmOG1j2Q
— Lugazi FC (@LugaziFC) April 25, 2026
What followed was a swift and punishing reversal. Kitara broke forward immediately, and in a desperate attempt to halt the attack, Lugazi defender Richard Ayiko hauled down Edson Agondeze. Already on a booking, Ayiko received his marching orders after a second yellow card, leaving the hosts a man short at a critical moment.
Kitara capitalized without hesitation. Defender Kato Samuel Nemeyimana launched a long delivery forward, which Agondeze expertly flicked into the path of Shaban Muhamad. With composure, Muhamad finished past goalkeeper Allan Batali Igama to seal a dramatic late winner.
Earlier in the contest, Kitara had drawn first blood in the 30th minute. Patrick Kaddu rose highest to nod home a well-weighted free kick from Gaddafi Wahab, giving the visitors an early advantage.
Lugazi, however, showed resilience and looked to have rescued a point when Paul Busolo turned in Freedom Mungudit’s driven cross in the 82nd minute, setting up a tense finale.
GUTTED!
It’s unfathomable to believe this was ignored by him despite being in close proximity.
Devastating decision.
The game of football deserves better! pic.twitter.com/cSjfnXVtWh
— Lugazi FC (@LugaziFC) April 26, 2026
Emotions boiled over at full-time. Furious Lugazi players confronted the officials, protesting what they believed were decisive errors. The frustration reportedly spilled beyond verbal protests, with forward Alfred Leku said to have kicked the referee’s dressing room door before throwing a bottle of water inside, according to an eyewitness account.
The result strengthens Kitara’s position near the summit. They remain third with 51 points, level with KCCA FC and trailing leaders Vipers SC by four points, though Vipers still hold a game in hand.
For Lugazi, the defeat deepens their relegation concerns. They sit 13th in the 16-team table with 25 points, maintaining a slim five-point cushion above the drop zone with just five matches left to play.
