Kitara FC saw their charge toward the summit of the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League stalled after being forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against URA FC at Royals Park, Butema, on Thursday.
A victory for the hosts would have lifted them level on points with leaders Vipers SC, a side they boast a superior head-to-head record against, but the Tax Collectors proved stubborn opposition.
Early breakthrough for the Royals
Kitara began with purpose and were rewarded inside 12 minutes. Defender George Senkaba rose highest in a crowded penalty area to power home Musisi Muyomba’s long, teasing free-kick, sending the home supporters into celebration.
The Royals appeared in control for large spells of the opening half, while URA, winless in front of goal across their previous eight league outings, opted for a cautious approach.
The visitors’ technical bench deployed two holding midfielders, Joshua Lubwama and George Masembe, in a bid to shore up a side that has struggled for attacking fluency.
Tactical shift sparks URA response
Sensing the need for more thrust, URA head coach Hussein Mbalangu made an early adjustment in the 37th minute, sacrificing the towering George Masembe for the more attack-minded Innocent Kisolo.
The tweak gradually paid dividends. After weathering Kitara’s pressure, URA found their breakthrough midway through the second half. In the 66th minute, Norman Namanya reacted quickest in a congested box, firing a sharp snapshot through a sea of legs.
Kitara goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige failed to handle the preceding set piece cleanly, and the lapse proved costly as URA restored parity.
We Lead on the break pic.twitter.com/VsIREnOrXh
— Kitara Football Club (The Royals) (@KitarafcHoima) February 19, 2026
Drama and a red card
The contest tilted further two minutes later when Kitara were reduced to ten men. Defender Isa Lumu received a straight red card in the 68th minute, leaving the Royals to navigate the closing stages with a numerical disadvantage.
Despite pushing for a late winner, neither side could carve out a decisive moment, and the spoils were shared at full time.
Points shared at home.
On to the next one. pic.twitter.com/n979b3rV8U
— Kitara Football Club (The Royals) (@KitarafcHoima) February 19, 2026
Table implications
The result keeps Kitara second on the table with 36 points, two shy of the leaders, while URA remain entrenched in 13th position with 15 points from 17 matches.
For Kitara, it was a missed opportunity to tighten their grip on the title race. For URA, however, the point may serve as a platform to rebuild confidence after a difficult run in front of goal.
