Kitara Sign Cranes Keeper Mutakubwa
Kitara FC have strengthened their goalkeeping department with the signing of Uganda Cranes shot stopper Joel Mutakubwa, who joins the Royals on a two year contract following his exit from Ethiopian side Wolwalo Adigrat University FC.
The move brings Mutakubwa back home after an impressive 2025/26 campaign in Ethiopia, where he was a key figure as Wolwalo Adigrat lifted the Ethiopian FA Cup, beating league champions Sidama Bunna in the final.
His arrival could not have come at a better time for Kitara, who struggled between the posts last season. With James Alitho sidelined for long spells through injury and young Aziz Saleh still finding his feet, the bulk of the goalkeeping duties fell on Meddie Kibirige. That over reliance proved costly; a suspension for Kibirige left the Royals exposed in back to back defeats, going down 1-0 to NEC and 3-2 to Express, results that cost them six valuable points.
Both Alitho and Saleh have since left the club, leaving a gap that Mutakubwa’s signing now fills with experience to spare.
The 31 year old is no stranger to Uganda’s top flight. He got onto the scene at Busoga United before moving on to Tooro United in 2018/19, where his career in the topflight truly took off. Since then, he’s played for Express FC where he claimed Cecafa Kagame Cup glory. He played for Entebbe UPPC (formerly Gaddafi FC), Kyetume, and BUL, racking up 126 league appearances along the way. He’s also earned eight caps for the Uganda Cranes.
At Kitara, Mutakubwa links up again with head coach Wasswa Bbosa, under whom he played during his time at Express. The keeper is one of several new arrivals at the club this window, joining Nicholas Kasozi, Martin Kiiza, Bonney Christopher, Jackson Ssembatya, and Missi Ssemugera as Bbosa reshapes his squad.
Speaking on the signing, Bbosa didn’t hide his relief at solving a problem position. “We faced some challenges previously and we obviously didn’t want to go through the same again and that’s why you see the arrival of Joel,” he said.
“He is committed, has lots of experience, and his quality is what any other coach would fancy to have in his squad.”
Player Profile
Name: Joel Mutakubwa
Date of Birth: 17 July 1995
Nationality: Ugandan
Height: 1.79m
Position: Goalkeeper
Preferred Foot: Right
Former Clubs: Busoga United, Tooro United, Kyetume, Express FC, Entebbe UPPC, BUL FC, Wolwalo Adigrat University FC (Ethiopia)
