Kataka End “Jaja Big League” Banter with Historic Promotion to Uganda Premier League.
By Peterson Delacream
Full Time: Soltilo Bright Stars 0-2 Kataka FC
Goals: Ali Ssentamu 41′ (pen), Usama Khayemba 87′
Kataka FC.” Lufumbi ” have finally ended their long wait for top-flight football, securing a historic promotion to the Uganda Premier League after spending ten years in the FUFA Big League.
The Mbale side defeated Soltilo Bright Stars 2-0 at Bugolobi Coffee Grounds on Saturday, recording only their second away victory of the season. The crucial win saw Kataka finish fourth on the league table, claiming the final promotion slot.
Kataka took the lead four minutes before halftime after Sharif Nsereko brought down Isaac Owiny inside the penalty area.
Referee pointed to the spot, and striker Ali Ssentamu calmly converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to put his side ahead.
The visitors maintained control throughout the second half before winger Usama Khayemba sealed the result in the 87th minute with Kataka’s second goal of the afternoon.
For Bright Stars, the defeat confirmed their relegation to the Regional League following a disappointing campaign.
Often mockingly referred to as “Jaja Big League” by rival supporters because of their prolonged stay in the second tier, Kataka have now broken the jinx and earned a place among Uganda’s elite clubs next season.
Their promotion also restores top-flight football to Mbale, just one season after Mbale Heroes were relegated from the Uganda Premier League.
Heroes have since suffered another setback, dropping from the FUFA Big League to the Regional League after finishing bottom of the standings once again.
