Kitara FC have officially unveiled Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa after securing his signature on a two-year contract. The move follows the end of his time with Ethiopian club Wolwalo Adigrat University FC.

The 31-year-old shot-stopper returns to the Uganda Premier League after playing a key role in Wolwalo Adigrat’s 2025/26 Ethiopian FA Cup triumph, where they beat league champions Sidama Bunna in the final.

Mutakubwa joins Kitara to strengthen the goalkeeping position.

The club faced several challenges in goal throughout the 2025/26 season.

Injuries to James Alitho and the inexperience of Aziz Saleh forced Meddie Kibirige to carry most of the responsibility.

Kibirige’s later suspension left the Royals with limited options, contributing to back-to-back losses against NEC (1-0) and Express (3-2).

With both Alitho and Saleh having left the club, Mutakubwa brings valuable top-flight experience to fill the gap.

The veteran keeper launched his Uganda Premier League career with Busoga United before moving to Tooro United in the 2018/19 season.

He has since played for Kyetume, Express FC, Entebbe UPPC (formerly Gaddafi FC), BUL FC, and Wolwalo Adigrat University FC.

While at Express FC, he won the CECAFA Kagame Cup. Mutakubwa has made 126 appearances in the Uganda Premier League and has earned eight caps for the senior Uganda Cranes national team.

His arrival also reunites him with Kitara head coach Wasswa Bbosa, whom he played under at Express FC.

Mutakubwa becomes the latest addition to Bbosa’s squad, following the arrivals of Nicholas Kasozi, Martin Kiiza, Bonney Christopher, Jackson Ssembatya, and Missi Ssemugera in the current transfer window.

Commenting on the signing, coach Bbosa said: “We faced some challenges previously and we obviously didn’t want to go through the same again and that’s why you see the arrival of Joel. He is committed, has lots of experience, and his quality is what any other coach would fancy to have in his squad.”

Joel Mutakubwa Profile

Full Name: Joel Mutakubwa

Date of Birth: 17 July 1995

Nationality: Ugandan

Height: 1.79m

Position: Goalkeeper

Preferred Foot: Right

Former Clubs: Busoga United, Tooro United, Kyetume, Express FC, Entebbe UPPC, BUL FC, Wolwalo Adigrat University FC (Ethiopia)