Kitara FC sign goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa to solve key weakness

Kitara FC believe they have solved one of the biggest problems that hurt their campaign last season after signing Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa on a two-year contract.

Rather than making another high-profile signing, the Royals have targeted experience in a position that cost them valuable points as they prepare for the Uganda Premier League, the Stanbic Uganda Cup, and the CAF Confederation Cup.

Head coach Wasswa Bbosa said the club learned important lessons from last season and could not afford to repeat the same mistakes.

"We faced some challenges previously and we obviously didn't want to go through the same again. That is why you see the arrival of Joel. His experience gives us confidence and stability," Bbosa said.

Mutakubwa joins Kitara after leaving Ethiopian side Wolwalo Adigrat University FC, where he helped the club win the 2025/26 Ethiopian FA Cup by defeating league champions Sidama Bunna in the final.

His arrival comes after Kitara struggled in goal last season. James Alitho spent long periods on the sidelines through injury, while youngster Aziz Saleh was still developing. That left Meddie Kibirige carrying most of the responsibility before his suspension forced Kitara into back-to-back defeats against NEC and Express.

With both Alitho and Saleh having since left the club, Mutakubwa is expected to bring leadership and consistency to the goalkeeping department.

Bbosa believes the experienced goalkeeper fits perfectly into the club's long-term plans.

"Joel has played at the highest level in Uganda and abroad. He understands pressure, communicates well with defenders, and brings the leadership every ambitious team needs to compete for trophies," Bbosa said.

The 31-year-old is no stranger to the Uganda Premier League. He has previously featured for Busoga United, Tooro United, Kyetume, Express FC, Entebbe UPPC, BUL FC, and Wolwalo Adigrat University FC.

During his time at Express, he won the CECAFA Kagame Cup and has made 126 Uganda Premier League appearances. He has also earned eight caps for the Uganda Cranes.

Mutakubwa reunites with Bbosa, who previously coached him at Express FC.

He becomes Kitara's latest signing after Nicholas Kasozi, Martin Kiiza, Bonney Christopher, Jackson Ssembatya, and Missi Ssemugera.

Elsewhere in Ugandan Football

Vipers Sports Club have officially welcomed back attacking midfielder Farouk Miya ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the Uganda international travelling with the squad from Kampala to Kigali for the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup.

Meanwhile, newly promoted side Kigezi Home Boyz have completed the signing of goalkeeper Norman Angufindru from record champions SC Villa.