Kitara FC have completed the signing of Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa on a two-year contract following the expiry of his spell with Ethiopian side Wolwalo Adigrat University FC.

The 31-year-old returns to Uganda after helping Wolwalo Adigrat win the 2025/26 Ethiopian FA Cup, where they defeated league champions Sidama Bunna in the final.

Mutakubwa arrives to reinforce Kitara’s goalkeeping department after the club experienced difficulties between the posts during the 2025/26 season.

Injuries to James Alitho and the inexperience of Aziz Saleh meant Meddie Kibirige shouldered most of the responsibility in goal.

Kibirige’s suspension later in the campaign left Kitara short of options as the Royals suffered consecutive defeats to NEC (1-0) and Express (3-2).

With both Alitho and Saleh having departed the club, Mutakubwa fills a key vacancy with proven top-flight experience.

The experienced goalkeeper began his Uganda Premier League career at Busoga United before joining Tooro United in the 2018/19 season.

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

During his spell at Express, he won the CECAFA Kagame Cup and has accumulated 126 Uganda Premier League appearances. Mutakubwa has also earned eight senior caps for the Uganda Cranes.

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

He becomes the latest addition to Bbosa’s squad, joining Nicholas Kasozi, Martin Kiiza, Bonney Christopher, Jackson Ssembatya and Missi Ssemugera during the current transfer window.

Speaking after the signing, 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)