A triumph for Police FC: 2023/24 betPawa Big League Champions

4 June 2024, 4:09 pm

By Simon Peter Odongo

Police FC clinched the 2023/24 betPawa Big League title with a decisive 1-0 win over Kataka FC, finishing the season with 56 points. This victory, secured by Isaac Ogwang’s goal, saw them three points clear of second-placed Lugazi FC. Mbale Heroes FC also earned promotion, ending a 19-year absence from top-flight football.

In a thrilling culmination to the 2023/24 betPawa Big League, Police FC emerged victorious, clinching the title after a hard-fought 1-0 win against Kataka FC on the final day of the season, Sunday, June 2. The decisive match, played at Mbale Municipal Stadium, saw Isaac Ogwang score the solitary goal at the stroke of halftime, securing the victory for the Cops.

The occasion was graced by FUFA Executive Committee Members Rogers Byamukama and Rogers Mulindwa, who presided over the awarding ceremony. Police FC finished the season with 56 points, three points clear of second-placed Lugazi FC, who also secured a 2-0 win against Jinja North United FC on the final day at the Kyabazinga Stadium. The Cops recorded 16 victories, the highest number of matches won in the entire season, along with 8 draws and 3 losses. Lugazi recorded 14 wins, 11 draws, and 2 losses, finishing the season with 53 points.

Joining Police FC and Lugazi FC in the promotion to next season’s StarTimes Uganda Premier League is Mbale Heroes FC, who finished third on the log with 49 points. Despite a 4-1 loss to Kiyinda Boys at Bertham City Stadium, Mbale Heroes are back in the top division after over 19 years in lower divisions.

They were relegated in 2005 following a dismissed court case. Prior to their relegation, they had spent over 10 years in the top division and lifted the Kakungulu Cup (now Stanbic Uganda Cup) in 1999. They earned their first promotion in 1994 when they beat the defunct Posta 2-0 in the Super Mini League at Mbale Municiple Stadium. The trio replaces Arua Hill, Busoga United, and Gaddafi, who were relegated at the end of the 2023/24 campaign where SC Villa emerged champions.

In other league action, Kiyinda Boys FC claimed the Buganda Regional League championship after defeating Young Simba FC 1-0 at Lugazi FC Stadium. Godfrey Kakooza’s goal led Simon Ddungu’s side to victory. Kiyinda Boys earned a trophy, medals, and two million Uganda Shillings in prize money, while runners-up Young Simba FC received medals and five hundred thousand Uganda Shillings. Samuel Ssemugugu of Simba FC was the league’s top scorer with 20 goals, and Julius Ssenyonga of Kiyinda Boys FC was named the best goalkeeper.

Kiyinda Boys FC will face Black Star Masanafu FC, champions of the Kampala Regional League, in the playoff final. The first leg is scheduled for Sunday, June 18th at MTN Omondi Stadium Lugogo, with the return leg on Wednesday, June 21st at Mityana Ssaza Grounds. The aggregate winner will secure a spot in the 2023/24 FUFA Big League season.

In another regional highlight, Northern Gateway of Lira city were crowned champions of the Northern Regional League after defeating Pajule Lions of Pader district 2-1 in a tense match at the Elephant Park Ground in Olwiio, Nwoya district. Northern Gateway’s early two-goal lead proved decisive despite Pajule Lions scoring late in the first half. The trophy and medals were presented by Dan Obote, FUFA’s northern region representative.

Northern Gateway will now face Paida Black Angels, champions of the West Nile Regional League, in a home-and-away format to determine qualification for the 2023/24 FUFA Big League season. According to Toby Obua, General Secretary of the Northern Region Football Referee Association, the dates for these matches are yet to be announced by FUFA.

The FUFA Regional League, comprising eight regions, pits each region’s champions against another to determine the four clubs that will qualify for the FUFA Big League. The Northern region champions face the West Nile region champions, the North East region champions play against the Eastern region champions, Kampala region champions battle the Buganda region champions, and Bunyoro Kitara region champions compete with the Western region champions.