Hoima – Kitara Football Club, popularly known as The Royals, made history on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, by defeating thirteen-time Ugandan league champions KCCA FC 1–0 in the official commissioning of the newly constructed Hoima City Stadium.
The landmark 20,000-seater facility, built as part of Uganda’s preparations to host AFCON 2027, was officially opened to the public by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The match brought thousands of fans to their feet, celebrating not only the home team’s victory but also a milestone in sports infrastructure for the Bunyoro sub-region.
The decisive goal came in the 86th minute from Kitara FC’s Amutuhaire, sending the stadium into a frenzy as local supporters cheered their team’s triumph over the capital’s powerhouse.
For KCCA FC co-head coach Brian Ssenyondo, the match was an emotional return to Hoima, where he previously enjoyed success with Kitara FC. “It is a massive honor for KCCA FC to play in such a historic match. This is a milestone for Ugandan football and the Bunyoro region. Beyond the celebration, this is a competitive test against a very good Kitara side. We want to give the fans a performance they will remember on Christmas Eve,” he said ahead of the match.
The friendly clash also highlighted contrasting form and history between the sides. In their last eight league and Uganda Cup encounters, KCCA FC had four wins, Kitara FC three, and one draw. Kitara FC had scored 11 goals, while KCCA FC netted 15 over the same period.
Team updates ahead of the fixture saw Kitara FC fielding a strong side, while KCCA FC dealt with absences due to injuries and AFCON 2025 national team duties. Notably, Joel Sserunjogi and Brian Jjara returned to training, while key players like Charles Lukwago, Umar Lutalo, Shafik Kwikiriza, and Ivan Ahimbisibwe were rested or away with the Uganda Cranes.
Available for KCCA FC were players including Mugolofa, Emojong, Oyirwoth, Gavin, Lazaro, Muhamud, Walusimbi, Haruna, Achayi, Mubezi, Obenchan, Steven, Jjara, Sserunjogi, Mugisha, Mayanja, Lutalo, Ssengendo, Alpha, Gatbel, Yiga, Ssebaduka, and Nsibambi.
The historic opening of Hoima City Stadium is not just a win for Kitara FC but a milestone for football in Uganda, showcasing world-class infrastructure and the growing prominence of regional clubs in national competitions.
