By Inke Brian

Uganda Premier League side UPDF FC have completed the signing of Soltilo Bright Stars custodian Derrick Emmanuel Were, Football256 has learnt.

The former Kyetume goalkeeper fell down the pecking order at the Mwererwe outfit, losing his place to Hassan Matovu, and has failed to start any league match in the first round.

The Army side are beefing their goalkeeping department and its reported that they have also signed BUL FC goal-minder, Tom Ikara.

Brian Ssenyondo’s side have had a weakness in goal that saw them ship in a league high 26 goals, and kept just one cleansheet in a goalless draw with Maroons FC at Bombo Barracks Ground.

Heading into the last first round match with Onduparaka that they lost 5-1 at Ababet Greenlight Stadium, both Simon Mabuya and Paul Akweny were injured.

Ivan Mutumba disappeared after a misunderstanding with the coach Brian Ssenyondo. With Were joining, UPDF will have a good competition and options in goal.

Were previously played for Maroons Academy, Kyebando Hearts FC, Kiboga Young FC, Kiyinda Boys FC and Kyetume.

Were is a three times Masaza Cup winner with Ssingo (2015 and 2018) and Buddu in 2016.

He was the captain of Uganda Christian University (UCU) as they won the Pepsi University Football League and Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) games at the University of Kisubi in 2019.

He was the Most Valuable player (MVP) and the Best goalkeeper in the in the same edition.

For his outstanding performance in the University Football League, Were was voted the Best Goalkeeper and The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the decade, between 2012 and 2022.

He was also named in the Best XI of the decade in the University Football League Best of the decade Awards.

The Bombo based side are 13th on the log with 10 points after 14 matches. UPDF will kickoff their second round away to Express at Wankulukuku Stadium on 11th February 2023.