The game was almost over at Nakivubo when it turned from routine to frightening.
In the 90th minute of NEC FC’s goalless draw with Express FC, forward Richard Basangwa went down after a dangerous challenge from defender Glory Kisule, who appeared to catch him with an elbow to the neck. What looked like a late foul quickly became a medical emergency.
Basangwa struggled to breathe and couldn’t speak. He lay on the turf for several minutes, at one point appearing unconscious, as players and fans watched in silence.
Referee Joshua Duula stopped play immediately, awarded a foul, and sent off Kisule, but the match had already lost its meaning.
Then came another problem. The stadium ambulance was unusable reports said it lacked equipment and had a flat tire. With no time to waste, officials improvised.
A Toyota Land Cruiser was driven onto the pitch, and Basangwa was rushed to Case Clinic.
By night’s end, there was some relief.
NEC FC confirmed on Wednesday that Basangwa is in stable condition. A CT scan showed no serious internal damage.
He received treatment, including a paracetamol infusion, and his condition improved.
“He is now able to breathe more comfortably and can speak in a low but clear tone,” the club said.
Basangwa was kept overnight for observation and is due for an ENT specialist review. If all is well, he will be discharged.
