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After ten years in the FUFA Big League, Kataka Football Club have finally earned promotion back to the Uganda Premier League following a decisive 2-0 victory over Soltilo Bright Stars on the final day of the 2025/26 season.
The Mbale City-based side sealed their top-flight return on Saturday at Coffee Stadium in Bugolobi, where goals from Ali Ssentamu and Usama Khayemba ensured Kataka claimed the three points they desperately needed to complete their promotion mission.
Ssentamu opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Khayemba added a second-half strike to spark celebrations among the travelling fans and players as Godfrey “Toldo” Awachango’s side confirmed their place among Uganda’s football elite for the 2026/27 season.
Kataka become the fourth and final team to secure promotion from the FUFA Big League this season, joining Blacks Power, Kigezi Home Boyz and Ntugasaze in the Uganda Premier League.
The dramatic final day also confirmed Blacks Power as league champions. The Lira City outfit secured the 2025/26 FUFA Big League title after playing out a goalless draw against Onduparaka at AbaBet GreenLight Stadium in Arua.
Elsewhere, CATDA defeated already-promoted Kigezi Home Boyz 1-0 in Kabale, while Ntugasaze rounded off their successful campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Kiyinda Boys. James Jarieko scored twice before Kawanguzi added the third goal.
In Mbale, already relegated Mbale Heroes suffered a heavy 6-2 defeat to Iganga United, while Kaaro Karungi edged Bunyaruguru United 1-0 in Kasese. Young Elephant Academy also ended the season on a high with a 4-0 win over Wakiso Giants.
The season concluded with four clubs dropping to the regional leagues. Mbale Heroes, Soltilo Bright Stars, Wakiso Giants and Nebbi Central were all relegated.
Meanwhile, the official crowning ceremony for champions Blacks Power is scheduled to take place in Lira on Sunday morning.
For Kataka, however, the biggest celebration belongs to them. After a decade of striving, heartbreak and near misses in the second tier, the Mbale club has finally reclaimed its place in the Uganda Premier League.
