UPL:Lugazi, SC Villa Shine As Matchday Three Delivers Away Wins
Lugazi FC and SC Villa registered important victories on Wednesday as the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League entered Matchday Three, with both sides showing composure to claim maximum points on the road.
Lugazi edged Entebbe UPPC 1-0 at Hamz Stadium, while SC Villa defeated traditional rivals Express FC 2-0 at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, maintaining their unbeaten start to the new campaign.
In action passing the ball Lugazi FC New Signing Ssali Musa- credit to Lugazi FC
Rwothomio strikes late for Lugazi
At Hamz Stadium, Cromwell Rwothomio scored eight minutes from time to give Lugazi a hard fought victory over Entebbe UPPC.
The hosts started brightly and created several opportunities in the opening half, with Ibrahim Orit repeatedly causing problems from the left.
Ronald Kayondo headed over from Orit’s 10th-minute cross before Ibrahim Mugulusi fired narrowly wide after Kayondo had cut the ball back from the left.
In Red forward Ambrose Kigozi shooting the ball- Credit Entebbe UPPC
Ambrose Kigozi also failed to keep his effort on target after meeting Gift Jonathan Odongo’s delivery, while his subsequent free-kick sailed over the crossbar.
Lugazi gradually settled into the contest, with Dickson Matama and Mugulusi testing Entebbe goalkeeper Denis Otim.
Neither side could break the deadlock before the interval, despite Entebbe enjoying promising spells in attack.
The second half remained closely contested, with both coaches turning to their benches in search of the breakthrough.
Entebbe came closest in the 74th minute when Kayondo unleashed a powerful effort from distance, only for Lugazi goalkeeper Tonny Kyamera to produce an outstanding save, turning the ball onto the crossbar before gathering the rebound.
Lugazi were then forced into a change when right-back Emmanuel Munooba suffered a hamstring injury and was stretchered off.
However, the visitors responded with the decisive moment.
In the 82nd minute, Rwothomio beat the offside trap before firing a powerful finish through Otim’s legs to put Lugazi ahead.
Entebbe pushed forward in search of an equaliser and made a late double substitution, but Lugazi held on for a valuable away victory.
Rwothomio nearly added a second late on after finding himself one-on-one with Otim, but the Entebbe goalkeeper stood firm.
Villa win the derby
At Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, SC Villa maintained their unbeaten start with a composed 2-0 victory over Express FC.
Credit to SC Villa
The Jogoos needed just four minutes to take the lead when Joseph Kasinde delivered from the right and Patrick Kakande finished from close range.
Villa continued to threaten, with Arnold Odong heading narrowly wide early on before Patrick Kakande and Reagan Mpande came close to extending the advantage.
Express struggled to make their possession count and were repeatedly punished by Villa’s threat on the counter.
The hosts improved after the interval and enjoyed greater control following Villa’s triple substitution.
Nicholas jjonga controlling the ball- credit to Express FC
Express had a golden opportunity to equalise in the 66th minute when Shafic Batambuze delivered into the box, but Isaac Wagoina could not keep his header on target despite being unmarked.
Peter Onzima also came close after combining with Abasi Muluya, but Express once again lacked the decisive final touch.
Villa eventually sealed the points deep into stoppage time after Express goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya rushed off his line and misjudged the bounce of the ball.
Denis Otim capitalised on the error, calmly finishing into an empty net to make it 2-0.
Andrew Otim celebrating after scoring SC Villa second goal- credit to SC Villa
The victory moves SC Villa to third place with seven points, maintaining their unbeaten record after three matches, while Express remain ninth with three points.
Early-season race takes shape
With three matchdays played, the results underline the competitiveness of the early Premier League campaign.
For Lugazi, the late victory at Hamz Stadium provides an important boost as they seek to establish themselves among the league’s early contenders.
For Villa, the derby victory continues a strong opening to the campaign and will further raise expectations around the Jogoos.
Meanwhile, Express and Entebbe UPPC will have to improve their efficiency in front of goal after both sides created opportunities but failed to convert them.
The 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League is already beginning to produce a fascinating battle, with teams looking to build momentum before the table starts to take a more defined shape.
