Kitara FC Make History, Qualify for CAF Confederation Cup Round They Have Never Reached Before

Hoima City Stadium

Kitara Football Club made incredible history on the African stage after qualifying for the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup with a convincing 2-0 victory over Somalia’s Mogadishu City Council at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

The result gave Kitara a 4-1 aggregate victory over the Somali side following their 2-1 triumph in the first leg last weekend, confirming the Hoima-based club’s progression to the next round of the continental competition.

Kitara’s reward for their impressive campaign is a blockbuster meeting with Egyptian giants Al Ahly Sports Club, setting up one of the biggest fixtures in the club’s relatively short history. 

The qualification represents a major milestone for a club that began as a community football team in Hoima in 2010 and has steadily grown into one of Uganda’s emerging forces. 

Kalema strikes again

Kitara entered the return leg with a slender advantage after winning the first encounter 2-1, but head coach George William Lutalo’s charges showed little intention of relying on their first-leg advantage.

The hosts took control of the contest and broke the deadlock in the 29th minute through Jimmy Kalema, who continued his excellent form against Mogadishu City Council.

Kalema had already scored twice in the first leg and once again proved decisive, giving Kitara a 1-0 lead on the night and further strengthening their grip on the tie.

Mogadishu City Council struggled to find a way back into the contest as Kitara maintained their composure and continued to threaten.

The home side eventually doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute, when midfielder Frank “Zagga” Tumwesigye found the back of the net to make it 2-0.

The goal effectively put the tie beyond the visitors, with Kitara comfortably managing the remainder of the match to complete a 4-1 aggregate victory.

From community club to continental football

Kitara’s achievement is particularly significant given the club’s journey since its establishment in 2010.

Founded as a community club based in Hoima, Kitara have developed from a local football project into a competitive force capable of representing Uganda on the continental stage.

The club’s rise has been powered by a series of notable achievements, most prominently their Uganda Cup triumphs in 2024 and 2026.

Their latest Uganda Cup success earned them the opportunity to represent the country in the 2026 CAF Confederation Cup, and the club has now taken full advantage of that opportunity.

By eliminating Mogadishu City Council, Kitara have not only advanced to the next stage but also secured another historic chapter in the club’s development.

Their progress also provides another significant moment for Hoima, with the city now firmly featuring on the African football map.

Al Ahly await

Kitara’s next assignment will be considerably tougher, with the Ugandan side set to face Al Ahly, one of Africa’s most decorated and recognised clubs.

The Egyptian giants bring enormous continental experience and a rich history of success, presenting Kitara with a formidable challenge.

However, Kitara will approach the tie with confidence after successfully navigating their first continental test.

The clash will also provide Kitara’s players with an opportunity to test themselves against some of the continent’s most experienced footballers and showcase the growth of the Ugandan club game.

For a team that started as a community club in Hoima in 2010, facing Al Ahly in a CAF competition represents a remarkable transformation.

Lutalo’s side keeps making history

Coach George William Lutalo’s team displayed discipline and determination throughout the preliminary-round tie, scoring four goals across the two legs while conceding only once.

Jimmy Kalema emerged as one of the key figures in the qualification, scoring three goals across the two matches, including a brace in the first leg and the opening goal in the return fixture.

Frank “Zagga” Tumwesigye then put the icing on the cake with the second goal in Hoima.

Kitara’s starting lineup featured goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa, with Henry Musisi Muyomba, captain Jasper Aheebwa Baguma, Isa Lumu Muzeeyi, Murushid Juuko, Missi Diego Semugera, Frank “Zagga” Tumwesigye, Gadafi Wahabu, Living Kabon, Jimmy Kalema and Patrick Henry Kaddu.

They were supported by substitutes Meddie Kibirige, George Senkaaba, Alex Emmanuel Wasswa, Benjamin Nyakoojo, Crispus Asiki, Isaac Doka Mweru, Isaac Amutuhaire, Christopher Bonney and Martin Kizza.

The technical team was led by head coach George William Lutalo, with Sunday Masendi serving as team manager. Team doctor Enock Kayondo, medical staff member Alozious Makubuya, equipment manager Yusuf Ssenyonjo and team staff member Hassan Mubiru completed the club’s matchday delegation.

A new chapter for Hoima football

Kitara’s continental progression is more than just a football result. It is a reflection of the club’s remarkable growth and the increasing prominence of Hoima in Uganda’s football landscape.

From its community roots in 2010 to winning the Uganda Cup twice and now advancing in the CAF Confederation Cup, Kitara have built a story that continues to attract national attention.

The upcoming encounter with Al Ahly will therefore be much more than another continental fixture.

It will be a test of how far Kitara have come, an opportunity for their players to compete against elite African opposition and a moment for Hoima and Ugandan football to celebrate on the continental stage.

Kitara FC have made it through. Al Ahly now stand in their way.