Hoima, Uganda: Uganda Premier League side Kitara FC have completed the signing of Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa on a two-year contract as the club continues strengthening its squad ahead of the 2026/27 season and its CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
The Royals confirmed the signing on Wednesday following the 31-year-old’s departure from Ethiopian side Wolwalo Adigrat University FC.
Mutakubwa returns to Uganda after helping Wolwalo Adigrat lift the 2025/26 Ethiopian FA Cup, defeating league champions Sidama Bunna in the final.
His arrival provides a timely solution to Kitara’s goalkeeping concerns after injuries and suspensions exposed the club’s lack of experienced options between the posts last season.
First-choice goalkeeper James Alitho spent lengthy periods on the sidelines through injury, while young goalkeeper Aziz Saleh was still developing, leaving Meddie Kibirige to shoulder most of the responsibility.
Kibirige’s suspension later in the campaign contributed to defeats against NEC FC and Express FC as Kitara dropped crucial points.
With both Alitho and Saleh having since left the club, Mutakubwa is expected to bring experience, leadership and stability to the goalkeeping department.
Near-decade football journey
Mutakubwa began his Uganda Premier League career with Busoga United before joining Tooro United during the 2018/19 season.
His career has also seen him feature for Kyetume FC, Express FC, Entebbe UPPC FC, Gaddafi FC, BUL FC and Wolwalo Adigrat University FC in Ethiopia.
During his spell at Express FC, he won the CECAFA Kagame Cup and has accumulated 126 Uganda Premier League appearances. He has also earned eight international caps for the Uganda Cranes.
The experienced goalkeeper will reunite with Kitara head coach Wasswa Bbosa, who previously worked with him at Express FC.
Mutakubwa becomes Kitara’s latest acquisition following the arrivals of Nicholas Kasozi, Martin Kiiza, Bonney Christopher, Jackson Ssembatya and Missi Ssemugera, as the Royals prepare to compete in the Uganda Premier League, Stanbic Uganda Cup and CAF Confederation Cup during the upcoming season.
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