Senkaaba Brace Powers Kitara into Last Four After Dominant Win Over Express

Kitara FC delivered a commanding performance to defeat Express FC 3-0 and secure a place in the semi-finals of the 52nd Stanbic Uganda Cup. The quarter-final clash was played at Royal Park in Butema on Easter Sunday.

Forward George Senkaaba starred with a brilliant brace, while Emmanuel Alex Wasswa added a late third to seal a dominant victory for the Hoima-based side.

Senkaaba Leads the Charge

Kitara asserted control midway through the first half when Senkaaba opened the scoring in the 27th minute. The striker reacted quickest in the box, tapping home from close range after Express goalkeeper Hafizi spilled a header from Tala, which had come off a well-delivered free-kick by Gaddafi Wahabu.

Senkaaba, who previously featured for Express, returned to haunt his former club early in the second half, doubling Kitara’s lead just seven minutes after the restart. His clinical finishing and positioning proved too much for the Red Eagles’ defense throughout the match.

Wasswa Adds the Finishing Touch

As Express struggled to mount a comeback, Emmanuel Alex Wasswa—another former Express player and ex-captain—put the result beyond doubt in the 85th minute. His goal capped off a well-rounded performance from Kitara, who looked composed and dangerous in all departments.

Speaking after the match, Senkaaba, who was named Man of the Match, emphasized the collective effort:

“This is a team victory as we now look forward to the semi-finals. I thank the sponsors of this tournament Stanbic Bank and the Federation of Uganda Football Associations for organizing.”

Tribute and Team Spirit

In a touching gesture, Kitara players wore black armbands in honor of the late Hon. Peter Araali Banura, the LC V Chairperson of Kikuube District, who recently passed away following a road accident. The victory added emotional significance to an already memorable performance.

Road to the Semi-Finals

With this result, Kitara joins defending champions Vipers SC and URA FC in the semi-finals.

Vipers edged NEC FC 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout after a goalless draw at MTN Omondi Stadium, while URA eliminated KCCA FC 4-2 on penalties following a 2-2 stalemate at Hamz Stadium.

The final quarter-final fixture will see SC Villa take on Happy Boys FC in Kassanda on Easter Monday.

What’s at Stake

Beyond domestic glory, the winner of the Stanbic Uganda Cup will earn the prestigious opportunity to represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup, adding further intensity to the remaining fixtures.

Match Line-Ups

Kitara FC XI: Meddie Kibirige (GK), Edward Namasa, Jasper Ahebwa (C), Samuel Kato Nemeyimana, Benjamin Nyakoojo, Ssenoga, Yunus Sibira, Gaddafi Wahabu, George Senkaaba, Living Kabon, Jimmy Kalema

Substitutes: Aziz, Byamukama, Musisi, Isa Lumu, Murushid Juuko, Amir Kakomo, Doka Mweru, Emmanuel Asiki, Byarugaba, Emmanuel Alex Wasswa, Patrick Henry Kaddu, Frank Tumwesigye

Head Coach: Wasswa Bbosa

Express FC XI: Hafizi (GK), Ronald Onzima, Wambuga, Rwontngeyo, Lubega, Isa Glory, Blanchar Mulamba, Wamala, Mikidadi Ssenyonga, Elvis Ssekajugo

Substitutes: Kiberu, Adriko, Nyanzi, Kimera, Ali, Herbert, Kisa, Baker Sakah, Muwonge 

Head Coach: Jimmy Kintu

Kitara’s emphatic victory not only underlines their growing strength in Ugandan football but also sets up an exciting semi-final stage, as the race for silverware and continental qualification intensifies.