Singer Rickman Shines for Express FC in Kampala Derby Win as BUL Thump Kataka in Bukedea

BUL FC maintained their perfect start to the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season with a commanding 4-1 victory over Kataka FC in Bukedea, while Express FC piled further misery on rivals KCCA FC with a 2-0 win in the Kampala Derby at Nakivubo Stadium on Thursday.

BUL travelled to the BCS Stadium in Bukedea determined to build on their positive start to the campaign and delivered an impressive attacking performance, with Derrick Bachwezi stealing the headlines after completing a memorable hat-trick.

The visitors wasted little time in announcing their intentions.

Bachwezi opened the scoring in the fourth minute, giving BUL an early advantage and immediately putting Kataka under pressure in front of their home supporters.

Kataka attempted to respond almost immediately and came close to restoring parity just two minutes later. However, BUL goalkeeper Jean Wokorach produced a crucial point-blank save to deny the hosts what would have been a quick equaliser.

The visitors continued to dictate the tempo of the contest and their dominance was rewarded again in the 21st minute.

Bachwezi found the back of the net for the second time with a precise finish, extending BUL's lead and placing Kataka in an increasingly difficult position.

BUL continued to create opportunities as they searched for a third goal before halftime. In the 35th minute, Swabiru Mpasa latched onto a well-weighted long ball and appeared to be through on goal, but Kataka goalkeeper Edward Nsubuga reacted quickly, coming off his line to deny the BUL forward.

Just when it appeared that the visitors would take a comfortable two-goal advantage into the break, Kataka found a way back into the contest.

Ismail Tamubula was brought down inside the penalty area by Faisal Matovu, prompting the referee to award Kataka a penalty.

Ali Sentamu stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, sending Wokorach the wrong way and reducing the deficit before the halftime whistle.

The goal gave Kataka renewed hope of mounting a second-half comeback, but BUL quickly extinguished those ambitions after the restart.

Five minutes past the hour mark, Frank Katongole provided the assist for Bachwezi, who completed his hat-trick with another composed finish to restore BUL's two-goal cushion.

The visitors were not done yet.

Simon Oketch Achidi added a fourth goal after a brilliant setup from Ssewagudde, sealing an emphatic 4-1 victory and underlining BUL's attacking strength.

The result sends BUL to the top of the Uganda Premier League standings with a maximum six points from their opening two matches, while Kataka remain 12th with just one point.

Express Add to KCCA's Early Season Misery

Elsewhere, Express FC produced a disciplined and clinical performance to defeat rivals KCCA FC 2-0 in the Kampala Derby at Nakivubo Stadium.

The defeat marked a disastrous start to the campaign for the Kasasiro Boys, who have now lost both of their opening league matches without scoring a single goal.

KCCA entered the derby under pressure following their opening-day 2-0 defeat to NEC FC and started the match with greater urgency.

The hosts created several opportunities in the opening half but were repeatedly frustrated by poor finishing and an inspired performance from Express goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya.

Shafik Nana Kwikiriza was denied, while Kigonya produced another important save to keep out Charles Lwanga. Saidi Mayanja also came close when his effort struck the woodwork as KCCA continued to search for the breakthrough. Express survived the early pressure and returned for the second half with renewed energy.

Their breakthrough arrived six minutes after the restart when Aaron Mutebi played a defence-splitting pass to Isaac Wagoina. The forward beat Maxwell Owachgiu before firing past KCCA goalkeeper Mutwalib Mugolofa to hand Express the lead.

The goal transformed the complexion of the match.

Express became increasingly organised defensively, absorbing KCCA's pressure while posing a threat on the counterattack.

Henry Wamala nearly doubled the advantage after lifting the ball over Mugolofa, but his effort came back off the post.

However, Express eventually delivered the decisive second goal through Rickman, whose competitive football comeback provided one of the most remarkable moments of the derby.

The singer, making his return to competitive football after around a decade away from the game, came off the bench and needed only five minutes to make an impact.

Given space at a tight angle, Rickman struck a low effort that slipped past Mugolofa at the near post, sparking wild celebrations among Express players and supporters.

His goal marked an emotional milestone in a football journey that had been interrupted by a knee injury in 2016 while he was playing in Sweden, an injury that ended his playing career and eventually pushed him towards music.

On Thursday night, however, music took a back seat as Rickman returned to the football spotlight in spectacular fashion.

Singer Bebe Cool was also among those celebrating from the stands, while his son Alpha Thierry Ssali featured against his former club before being substituted in the second half.

For Express, the victory was a strong response following their opening-day defeat to BUL FC and provides an early boost to their ambitions for the season.

For KCCA, however, serious questions will already be emerging.

After losing 2-0 to NEC FC in their opening match, the Kasasiro Boys have now suffered another 2-0 defeat. 

Two matches into the campaign, KCCA have conceded four goals and scored none.

As BUL celebrate a perfect start and Express savour derby glory, KCCA will urgently need to find answers before their troubled start develops into a full-blown crisis in the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season.