NEC FC will represent Uganda at the 2025 CECAFA Kagame Cup after replacing Vipers SC in a last-minute change confirmed by organizers on Wednesday night.
Vipers, initially set to participate, officially withdrew due to scheduling conflicts, having also opted out of the FUFA Super 8.
NEC, Uganda’s CAF Confederation Cup representatives, were invited to take their place.
Thursday’s draw at Pacific Hotel in Nairobi placed NEC in Group B alongside Rwanda’s APR FC, Burundi’s Bumamuru FC, and Zanzibar’s Mlandege FC.
The tournament kicks off early next month across four venues in Tanzania; Azam Complex, Chamazi Stadium, KMC Stadium and Major General Isamuyo Stadium.
CECAFA Executive Director Auka Gecheo highlighted the competition’s role, saying, “This tournament will help teams prepare for the 2025/26 CAF competitions.”
In other groups, Tanzania’s Singida Big Stars lead Group A with Garde Cotes (Djibouti), Ethiopian Coffee, and Kenya Police, while Group C features Sudan’s Al Hilal, Kator FC (South Sudan), Mogadishu City Club (Somalia), and Alahly SC Wad Madani (Sudan).
2025 CECAFA Kagame Cup Groups
• Group A: Singida Big Stars, Garde Cotes, Ethiopian Coffee, Kenya Police
• Group B: APR, NEC, Bumamuru, Mlandege
• Group C: Al Hilal, Kator, Mogadishu City Club, Alahly Wad Madani
The Kagame Cup will offer NEC vital preparation ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup debut next month.
