Lira, Uganda: Blacks Power FC held their nerve on a dramatic final day of the 2025/26 FUFA Big League season to secure the championship and lead four clubs into next season’s Uganda Premier League.
Needing only a point to guarantee the title, the Lira-based side battled to a tense goalless draw against Onduparaka at AbaBet GreenLight Stadium in Arua on Saturday, finishing the campaign with 55 points.
The result was enough to keep Blacks Power ahead of a chasing pack led by Ntugasaze FC, whose convincing 3-0 victory over Kiyinda Boys ultimately proved insufficient to overhaul the leaders.
For much of the afternoon, the title race remained delicately balanced as updates filtered in from grounds across the country.
Ntugasaze entered the final day knowing they needed victory and a Blacks Power slip-up to snatch the championship. James Jarieko struck twice while Kawanguzi added another goal as the promotion hopefuls did everything required on the pitch.
However, the breakthrough they desperately needed in Arua never arrived.
As the final whistle sounded at both venues, Blacks Power players and supporters erupted in celebration, having successfully navigated one of the most dramatic title races in recent FUFA Big League history.
The championship marks a remarkable return to the Uganda Premier League for Blacks Power, who have spent recent seasons rebuilding after relegation.
Kataka Ends 10-Year Wait
While Blacks Power celebrated the title, some of the biggest scenes of jubilation came in Bugolobi, where Kataka FC finally ended a decade-long absence from top-flight football.
The Mbale-based side travelled to face Soltilo Bright Stars knowing victory would guarantee promotion regardless of results elsewhere.
Ali Ssentamu calmly converted from the penalty spot before Usama Khayemba added a second-half goal to seal a famous 2-0 victory.
The result sparked wild celebrations among Kataka players, officials and supporters as the club secured its long-awaited return to the Uganda Premier League for the first time in ten years.
Kigezi Home Boyz Also Return
Kigezi Home Boyz completed the quartet of promoted teams despite suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to CATDA FC.
The Kabale-based side finished level on 51 points with Kataka but secured promotion thanks to their strong overall campaign.
Their qualification represents a major achievement for football in the Kigezi region, which will once again have representation in the country’s top division.
Relegation Heartbreak
At the opposite end of the table, four clubs saw their hopes extinguished as relegation was confirmed.
Mbale Heroes endured a miserable end to the season, suffering a humiliating 6-2 defeat at home to Iganga United before finishing bottom of the table on just 17 points.
Former Uganda Premier League sides Soltilo Bright Stars and Wakiso Giants also dropped into the regional leagues after disappointing campaigns, while Nebbi Central joined them despite a spirited season in the West Nile region.
Final Day Results
Kataka strengthened their promotion credentials with a 2-0 victory over Soltilo Bright Stars, while Ntugasaze defeated Kiyinda Boys 3-0 and CATDA edged Kigezi Home Boyz 1-0.
Young Elephant Academy produced one of the performances of the day, thrashing Wakiso Giants 4-0, while Paidha Black Angels won the West Nile derby 1-0 against Nebbi Central.
Iganga United’s remarkable 6-2 victory over Mbale Heroes was the highest-scoring match of the final round, while Kaaro Karungi defeated Bunyaruguru United 1-0.
Promoted Clubs
Blacks Power FC (Champions), Ntugasaze FC, Kataka FC and Kigezi Home Boyz FC will compete in the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season.
Relegated Clubs
Mbale Heroes FC, Wakiso Giants FC, Soltilo Bright Stars FC and Nebbi Central FC have been relegated to the regional leagues.
For Blacks Power, however, the day belonged to them. Thirty matches, months of pressure and one final afternoon of nerves ended with the ultimate reward; the FUFA Big League title and a return to Uganda’s football elite.
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