2025/26 Uganda Premier League | Thursday, January 8, 2026 MD12
- Express Vs SC Villa – Hamz stadium, Nakivubo | 8pm
As Nakivubo lights up tonight for the Kampala Derby, the tension around Express FC goes beyond the pitch.
While the Red Eagles prepare to face old rivals SC Villa, a section of their supporters will stay away, choosing silence over support.
For many fans, this derby feels like a turning point.
They accuse the club’s leadership of ignoring their voices, sidelining long standing concerns and failing to treat them as true stakeholders.
Their protest is simple but striking: empty seats at a time when the team needs backing most.
The mood reflects a tough season. Under Jimmy Kintu, the seven time champions sit 11th with 12 points from 11 matches.
Losses to Maroons and Entebbe UPPC before the AFCON break only deepened frustration.
On the field, Express at least have near-full strength. Only Lawrence Bukenya is sidelined, while Muhammad Kagawa is available despite rumors of a move to NEC FC, a welcome boost for a side short on confidence.
Villa arrive in better shape. Coached by Zeljko Kovacevic, they are fourth on 24 points and can climb to second with a win.
They will miss Elvis Ngonde, Reagan Mpande and Diego Missi Semugera through injury, but David Owori returns after national duty.
With an 11-point gap between them and fresh from beating Calvary, Villa start as favourites and are expected to press their advantage.
Still, derbies rarely follow logic. Last season at this same ground, Express defied the odds, Joseph Zziwa’s lone goal handing them victory, a reminder that form often counts for little on nights like these.
