2019 - 2020 Premier League Season
During the 2019-2020 season, Mbarara City FC participated in the Uganda Premier League. The season was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to an early conclusion on May 20, 2020. By that time, Mbarara City FC had played 24 matches, achieving 9 wins, 6 draws, and 9 losses and finishing in 7th place with 33 points. [9] [10]
2020 - 2021 Premier League Season
In the 2020-2021 season, Mbarara City FC solidified its presence in the Uganda Premier League, playing home matches at Kakyeka Stadium. The team finished in 7th place again, with victories against SC Villa and a draw against Vipers SC. [11] The statistics were 10 wins, 11 draws, and 9 losses, including playing 6 games without a loss. Mbarara City did not lose their last four matches in the competition. [12]
Striker Jude Ssemugabi shifted from shirt 11 to 9, and defender Bamba Soulymane wore shirt 5, having put on 4 last season. Key players like Jude Ssemugabi, Hilary Mukundane, and Innocent Wafula were instrumental in both defense and attack. Despite challenges, including injuries, the club’s strategy of a solid defense and effective counterattacks helped secure crucial points. [13] [14]
2021 - 2022 Premier League Season
The 2021-2022 season was a challenging period for Mbarara City FC in the Uganda Premier League. [15] The club faced significant difficulties, both on and off the pitch. Financial constraints were a major issue, and these were worsened by the loss of a key sponsorship deal with Top Bet. This financial strain impacted the club’s ability to retain and attract top talent, leading to the departure of several key players, including Ivan Eyam, Bashir Mutanda, and Innocent Wafula.
On the field, Mbarara City FC struggled to find consistent form. The team experienced a series of poor results, which ultimately led to their relegation. Despite these challenges, the club managed to secure some notable performances, including a win against Vipers SC at St. Mary’s Kitende. With 22 points in 28 games, the club finished the season in 15th place, a position that both ended their 5-year stay in the top flight and saw them drop to the second tier, the FUFA Big League. [16] [17] The departure of head coach Livingstone Mbabazi to Arua Hill SC further destabilized the team. [18] His replacement, Kefa Kisala, also left the club shortly after his appointment, leading to Hussein Mbalangu taking over as caretaker manager. He later resigned due to arrears. [19] [20]
2022 - 2023 FUFA Big League
The 2022-2023 season began with some uncertainty due to the loss of several key players during the preseason. However, the team quickly found its footing, starting the campaign with a decisive 3-1 victory over Booma FC. [21]
Under head coach Sadiq Ssempijja, Mbarara City FC maintained a competitive edge in the league. Notable performances included a crucial win against Jinja North United and a series of unbeaten matches that bolstered their position in the standings. [22] At the end of the season, the team finished runners-up and was promoted back to the Uganda Premier League. [23] [24] [25] [26]
