Lugogo will provide the backdrop for a compelling subplot as Abdallah Mubiru prepares for an emotional reunion with KCCA, this time from the opposite dugout.
The Entebbe UPPC head coach makes his first return to the MTN Omondi Stadium since departing the Kasasiro Boys, as the two sides clash in the final fixture of the first round.
Soft-spoken but deeply familiar with his former surroundings, Mubiru’s history with KCCA runs long and deep. He served two separate stints as head coach, the most recent ending abruptly before the close of last season. That chapter was followed by a fresh start in Old Entebbe, where he took charge of UPPC in August.
Raise The Bar, Printers 👊
🤝 @UgandaGazette #ComeOnYouPrinters pic.twitter.com/j3xeLWskMp— Entebbe UPPC Football Club (@UPPC_FC) January 30, 2026
Mubiru’s ties to KCCA go beyond the touchline. Before becoming the main man, he worked as an assistant coach during one of the club’s most successful periods, lifting silverware alongside George ‘Best’ Nsimbe. He also donned the yellow and red as a player, making this return a layered and personal affair.
Adding another twist, Mubiru will arrive in Lugogo accompanied by a familiar cast. Four former KCCA players now form the spine of his UPPC squad, including club captains Julius Poloto and Mustafa Mujjuzi, as well as Steven Munguchi and Isa Mubiru.
Poloto, a product of the KCCA academy and once a fan favourite at Lugogo, played down the emotional angle, insisting the focus remains firmly on the result.
“KCCA is a big team and being home, they have the advantage,” he told the club media. “But we have been there before and it will be a normal game. Such games are self-motivating and everyone is waiting to have a good game there as we want victory,” he added.
On the other bench, KCCA head coach Brian Ssenyondo, himself Mubiru’s successor, struck a similarly measured tone, brushing aside any notion of personal narratives influencing the contest.
“In a league, you play everyone and this won’t be any different. They are a good side but our focus will be on ending the first round on a good note in positions that can help us push for the title in the second round,” said Ssenyondo.
Form heading into the encounter slightly favours the hosts. KCCA come into the game buoyed by a dominant 4-0 demolition of UPDF, while Entebbe UPPC were held to a goalless draw by Maroons in their most recent outing.
Arrival complete. Business time.💛#KCCAFC #KCCAUPPC #StarTimesUPL pic.twitter.com/ZVWHB3J4AU
— KCCA FC (@KCCAFC) January 30, 2026
The standings underline the significance of the clash. KCCA sit second on the table with 30 points, just three ahead of Entebbe UPPC, who occupy fifth place on 27. A positive result for either side could meaningfully shape their momentum heading into the business end of the season.
This fixture also marks a new chapter in the rivalry following UPPC’s rebranding from Gaddafi FC. Historically, KCCA have enjoyed the upper hand, boasting five wins compared to just one for their opponents in previous meetings.
When the whistle blows at Lugogo, sentiment will quickly give way to competition. For Mubiru, it is a return filled with memories; for both teams, it is a chance to close the first round with a statement.
