Daniel Bartholomew struck twice as BUL FC climbed to the summit of the Uganda Premier League following a 2-0 victory over UPDF FC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

The forward proved decisive for the Jinja-based side, scoring on either side of the break to secure all three points in a contest that became even tougher for UPDF after Aggrey Kiirya was sent off.

BUL showed their attacking intentions early and nearly found the breakthrough after 15 minutes when Bachwezi threatened, but Kitabalwa intervened with a crucial block.

The visitors maintained the pressure and were eventually rewarded when Bartholomew found the opening goal to give his side the advantage.

BUL returned after the interval searching for more, with Okello testing UPDF goalkeeper Shamran Kamya in the 52nd minute. Kamya produced an impressive save to temporarily keep the Army side within touching distance.

However, six minutes later, Bartholomew struck again, powering home his second of the evening to put BUL firmly in command.

UPDF’s hopes of mounting a comeback suffered another setback when Kiirya was shown a second yellow card and subsequently sent off around the hour mark.

Playing with a numerical advantage, BUL managed the remainder of the contest to protect their two-goal cushion and leave Nakivubo with maximum points.

The defeat halted UPDF’s momentum after they had beaten Express 2-1 in their previous league outing.

For BUL, the result takes them to the top of the Uganda Premier League table with 16 points, while UPDF remain ninth on eight points after six matches.

Bartholomew’s match-winning double proved the difference on the night as BUL strengthened their early-season push at the top end of the table.