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SC Volcanoes have etched their name into the history books after securing promotion to the FUFA Big League, becoming the first football club from Kisoro District to earn a direct ticket to Uganda’s second-tier league.
The Kisoro-based side sealed promotion following a goalless draw against Booma FC in the second leg of the FUFA Big League promotion playoffs at Kakeeka Playground in Kakumiro District on Sunday. The result was enough to see SC Volcanoes advance 1-0 on aggregate, having won the first leg by the same scoreline at Mashaka Playground a week earlier.
The achievement caps an outstanding season for SC Volcanoes, who completed their campaign unbeaten and fulfilled a target they had set at the start of the season.
The decisive playoff clash attracted a large crowd, with supporters from both clubs creating a lively atmosphere. Booma FC enjoyed strong home support, while a sizeable contingent of SC Volcanoes fans travelled from Kisoro and other parts of western Uganda to back their team.
Knowing they needed a goal to overturn the deficit, Booma FC started brightly and dominated the opening stages of the match. The hosts applied sustained pressure on the Volcanoes defence, but centre-backs Alijuna and Bafana stood firm, repeatedly cutting out dangerous deliveries and maintaining defensive discipline.
Booma continued to threaten through their attacking players, particularly down the flanks, but SC Volcanoes gradually settled into the contest and began to enjoy more possession as the first half progressed.
After the break, the game remained evenly poised as both sides battled fiercely in midfield. SC Volcanoes captain Mandela Alex and Fiat controlled the tempo for the visitors, linking effectively with Muhairwe and Shaban in attack.
The defining moment came in the 68th minute when goalkeeper Andrew Ssekandi produced a superb save to deny Booma FC’s winger after a powerful strike appeared destined for the back of the net.
As Booma intensified their search for an equaliser, SC Volcanoes’ defence, marshalled by Derrick Ikooza, continued to absorb pressure through a series of crucial interceptions, blocks and clearances.
Ssekandi once again proved decisive later in the second half, making another outstanding save to deny Booma’s striker and preserve the visitors’ slender aggregate advantage.
SC Volcanoes nearly put the tie beyond doubt in the 75th minute when substitute Emmanuel Ogwang delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but the resulting chance went unfinished.
The most dramatic moment arrived two minutes from time when Booma FC created multiple scoring opportunities inside the penalty area. However, Ssekandi rose to the occasion once more, producing a remarkable save to keep the scores level and effectively secure promotion for his side.
When the final whistle sounded, celebrations erupted among the travelling SC Volcanoes supporters as players and officials embraced on the pitch after achieving a historic milestone.
Goalkeeper Andrew Ssekandi emerged as the standout performer, producing a series of crucial saves that ultimately proved decisive in securing promotion.
Speaking after the match, Ssekandi credited the team’s preparation and discipline for the result.
It was a very difficult match because Booma FC kept attacking throughout the game. But we prepared well, remained disciplined, and worked together as a team. I also want to thank our fans and management because their support motivated us throughout the season,” he said.
Club captain Mandela Alex praised his teammates for their determination and commitment to achieving the club’s objective.
From the beginning of the season, our target was promotion to the FUFA Big League. It wasn’t an easy journey, but every player remained focused on achieving that goal,” Mandela said.
With promotion now secured, the captain revealed that the club’s ambitions extend even further.
Our first mission has been accomplished. Now we want to keep growing and eventually compete in the Uganda Premier League.”
Head coach Patrick Ochan, the former Uganda Cranes midfielder, described the promotion as the reward for months of hard work and consistency.
We set promotion as our objective from day one, and I am proud that we have achieved it. The players have shown tremendous commitment throughout the season,” Ochan said.
The tactician highlighted the team’s unbeaten campaign as evidence of their consistency and resilience.
We have completed the season unbeaten. The players deserve a lot of credit for what they have achieved.”
Ochan also revealed that his contract expires at the end of the season and discussions regarding his future at the club are yet to be concluded.
SC Volcanoes Club President Dr. Martin K. Mbonye described the promotion as a landmark achievement not only for the club but for Kisoro District as a whole.
For the first time in the history of Kisoro District, a football club has earned promotion to the FUFA Big League. This is a proud moment for our district and our people,” Dr. Mbonye said.
He attributed the success to the collective efforts of the club’s management, technical team, players, sponsors, media team and loyal supporters.
This achievement is a result of hard work, discipline, sacrifice and determination. Everyone connected to this club has played a role in making this dream a reality.”
The club president emphasized that promotion marks the beginning of a broader vision aimed at establishing SC Volcanoes as a competitive force in Ugandan football while creating opportunities for young talent from Kisoro and the surrounding region.
The historic promotion is expected to boost football development in Kisoro District and raise the area’s profile within Uganda’s football landscape.
For SC Volcanoes, the celebrations may have only just begun, but attention will soon turn to preparing for life in the FUFA Big League, where a new chapter in the club’s remarkable journey awaits.
