Kitara came from behind to hold SC Villa to a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League, played at Wankulukuku Stadium on Saturday evening.
Wasswa Bbosa’s side arrived at Wankulukuku looking for a response after a disappointing preseason, and while the result wasn’t the win they wanted, the fightback will give the Royals plenty to build on.
The hosts made the perfect start, taking the lead in the eighth minute when Andrew Okumu headed home after Godfrey Lubangakene flicked the ball into his path.
Kitara responded well, stretching the Jogoos’ backline with long balls and crosses from wingers Martin Kiiza and Jimmy Kalema as they searched for striker George Senkaaba. The Royals’ best opening of the first half came in the 36th minute, when Kiiza won a free kick just outside the box, only for his delivery to crash into the wall.
Moments before the break, Isa Lumu floated a long ball into the area that drew the Villa goalkeeper David Lukwago off his line. The keeper failed to deal with it, and the loose ball fell kindly for Senkaaba, whose effort was cleared off the line by defender Arnold Odong in the nick of time.
Villa almost doubled their advantage early in the second half, but Kitara goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige was equal to the task, denying Reagan Mpande from close range to keep his side within touching distance.
Bbosa turned to his bench in search of a leveller, sending on Kabon, Amutuhaire, Agondeze and Chrispus Asiki. The changes paid off deep into stoppage time when Kabon’s set piece delivery was met by substitute Asiki, who rose highest to head home the equaliser and send the travelling Royals home with a share of the spoils.
Kitara now turn their attention to continental duty, hosting Mogadishu City FC in the CAF Confederation Cup next Sunday at Hoima City Stadium.
