Lawrence Kambugu (left) has joined BUL FC on a two year deal. Courtesy photo

BUL FC head coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere says the Eastern Giants have made deliberate and strategic signings this transfer window to fix the gaps that cost them last season.

“We struggled to score goals, especially in the first round,” Kikomeko admitted. “So we’ve widened our attacking options by adding Lawrence to our frontline. He’s a promising talent, and as the technical team, we’re committed to helping him shine in the Uganda Premier League.”

The Jinja-based side has signed 18-year-old striker Lawrence Kambugu on a two-year deal from Ntugasaze FC. Kambugu was last season’s FUFA Big League top scorer with 15 goals and is a graduate of Rays of Grace Academy. He also brings topflight experience, having previously featured for Gaddafi FC.

Kikomeko also addressed last season’s goalkeeping concerns by signing 26-year-old Farouk Yawe from Kitara FC. Yawe, who previously played for Luweero United, was part of Kitara’s Uganda Cup-winning squad.

“Last season, we had only one experienced goalkeeper. I didn’t want to take that risk again,” Kikomeko said.

“Yawe’s experience, character, and attitude fit our team perfectly. We’re happy to welcome him home.”

To reinforce the backline, BUL added defender Kelvin Tah Barni from NEC FC on a two-year contract. The 26-year-old brings experience from stints at Nyamityobora, Kyetume, and NEC.

“After losing a key defender, Barni was the ideal replacement,” Kikomeko noted. “His strength, aggression, and leadership will be vital for our defence.”

The Eastern Giants also secured the future of winger Reagan Kalyowa, who renewed his contract until July 2027. A product of BUL’s junior team, Kalyowa was promoted to the senior side in 2019 and has since become a cornerstone of the squad. His contributions have been instrumental in BUL’s recent triumphs, including the 2021 Uganda Cup and back-to-back FUFA Super 8 titles in 2023 and 2024.

However, the club also bid farewell to three players whose contracts expired: Anthony Mayanja, Lawrence Tezikya, and Benon Tahomera. All three were part of the squad that lifted the Super 8 trophy twice.

Mayanja joined BUL in 2022 from Busoga United, Tezikya arrived from Vipers SC in 2023, and Tahomera signed from Kyetume the same year.

Last season, BUL FC finished third in the Uganda Premier League with 54 points, winning 16 matches, drawing 6, and losing 8. They scored 38 goals and conceded 27.

In the Stanbic Uganda Cup, BUL reached the quarter-finals but were eliminated by Kitara FC in a heated 1-0 defeat in Hoima, a match that saw three red cards issued.