By Musa Kikuuno, Busoga Times Sports Writer ll WhatsApp 0756322265
As the Uganda Premier League (UPL) prepares for the highly anticipated kickoff of the second round on February 11, 2025, the home ground situations of two teams — SC Villa, the defending champions, and BUL FC, last season’s second runners up — remain unresolved, leaving fans in suspense.
BUL FC’s Home Ground Dilemma
BUL FC, who previously hosted their first-round games at Lugazi Stadium Najjembe— home to league debutants Lugazi FC — find themselves in a predicament after their agreement with Lugazi FC, expired at the close of 2024.
Despite utilizing the forest-surrounded stadium for seven games in the first round, BUL FC managed just one win, four draws, and two losses, scoring five goals and conceding eight.
Their solitary win came against the stadium’s primary occupants, Lugazi FC. These performances yielded a modest seven points from their “borrowed” home ground.
In previous seasons, BUL FC rotated between Kakindu Stadium in Jinja, FUFA Technical Center in Njeru, and Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe.
As the second runners-up of last season, the club now faces the critical decision of confirming a venue that aligns with their aspirations of improving their performance this season.
SC Villa Faces Renovation Hurdles
Defending champions SC Villa, on the other hand, were forced to switch their last first-round game to Luzira Prisons Grounds, where they edged URA FC 1-0 on January 4, 2025.
This temporary shift was necessitated by ongoing renovations at Mutesa II Stadium Wankulukuku, where they have hosted their league games this season.
During the first round, SC Villa hosted seven games at Wankulukuku, recording four wins and three draws, amassing an impressive 18 points without a single loss at home.
This made them the second-best performing home team in the league first round, trailing only NEC FC, who secured 22 points from seven home games.
However, with the CHAN tournament scheduled for August 2025, renovations at Wankulukuku have yet to be completed, casting uncertainty over whether SC Villa will return to their fortress or continue to seek alternative venues.
Second Round Fixtures Set Amid Venue Uncertainty
The second round of the UPL kicks off on February 11, 2025, with SC Villa traveling to Wakiso to face Wakiso Giants, while BUL FC will visit Express FC on February 12, 2025.
Other key fixtures in the opening week of the second round include Lugazi FC hosting Police FC, Maroons entertaining Bright Stars, and Mbarara City traveling to face Mbale Heroes under the stewardship of Baker Mbowa.
On February 13, 2025, UPDF will host Wasswa Bbosa’s Kitara FC, while NEC FC and their tactical maestro Hussein Mbalangu will face off against KCCA FC, led by Abdallah Mubiru, at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
As fans eagerly await the confirmation of SC Villa and BUL FC’s home grounds, the stakes remain high for both clubs. For Villa, defending their title hinges on consistency, while BUL FC will need stability to reignite their campaign. The clock is ticking, and the football fraternity is watching.
