2025/26 Uganda Premier League | Tuesday April 21, 2026 | MD 24
- Express FC Vs NEC FC – Hamz stadium, Nakivubo | 8 pm
Familiar faces return to haunt old ground on Tuesday as NEC FC visit Express in an Uganda Premier League encounter rich in history and personal stakes at Nakivubo.
NEC head coach Badru Kaddu leads the storyline. Once in charge of the Red Eagles, he now returns with a squad filled with players who made their names at Express; Richard Basangwa, Muhammad Kagawa Ssenoga, Rashid Kawawa, Hakim Wandera, and Ramz Kawooya, all ready to face their former club.
NEC come in flying. They are unbeaten in 16 matches across all competitions and have not conceded in their last six league games. Confidence is high, and the former Express players have played a big part in that rise.
Basangwa and Ssenoga combined for the winner in NEC’s recent 1-0 victory over Maroons. Ssenoga’s shot hit the post before Basangwa reacted quickly to finish, an example of the sharpness that has defined NEC’s run.
Since Kaddu’s arrival in November, NEC have won nine league matches and climbed to sixth with 40 points. Another win could lift them into fifth, depending on other results.
Express, however, are finding their feet again. Under Jimmy Kintu, they have won three straight games, beating URA, Police, and UPDF to steady a difficult season. They sit 10th on 29 points but could rise to eighth with a win.
The turnaround has come despite financial struggles. Players have gone months without pay, yet performances have improved, showing resilience within the squad.
The first meeting between the sides ended goalless in January, but this one feels different. There is more at stake, and more emotion attached.
Elsewhere, leaders Vipers visit Buhimba United Saints, while URA face Police in Kamwokya.
