2026 Uganda Cup | R32 | Thursday February 26
- UPDF 0-2 NEC
Joseph Dhata rose to the occasion, scoring twice as NEC beat UPDF 2–0 to reach the next round of the Plascon co-sponsored Uganda Cup.
The Round of 32 tie of the 52nd edition was played on Thursday at the Bombo Military Grounds, where Dhata proved decisive.
The right back gave NEC the lead in the 28th minute. Richard Basangwa slipped him through with a precise pass and Dhata finished calmly to put his side in control.
Just before halftime, he struck again. After being fouled in the area, Dhata stepped up and converted the penalty himself to double the advantage.
UPDF pushed after the break but struggled to break down a disciplined NEC side that stayed organised and saw out the game to keep a clean sheet.
The win sends NEC into the Round of 16 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup, keeping their hopes alive of lifting the trophy and securing a place in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Elsewhere, Maroons edged Kumi United 1–0, with Norman Odipio scoring a fine long-range effort in the 56th minute.
NEC now join holders Vipers, Express, SC Villa, Kitara, KCCA, URA, Red Devo, Onduparaka, Happy Boys Kagaba and Iganga United in the next round as the race for Uganda’s top domestic prize gathers pace.
