2025/26 Uganda Premier League | Saturday, May 9 | MD 27
- Kitara 0-1 NEC
Richard Basangwa returned from injury to hand Kitara a damaging 1-0 defeat and dent their Uganda Premier League title hopes at Royals Park, Butema on Saturday.
Kitara came into the match hoping to close the gap on leaders Vipers after the table leaders were held 1-1 by URA on Friday.
Instead, they left frustrated after Basangwa’s second-half strike secured all three points for NEC.
The decisive moment arrived five minutes after the break. Hakim Wandera’s free-kick caused confusion inside the Kitara box before Benjamin Nyakoojo’s poor clearance fell kindly for Basangwa, who headed home from close range.
NEC had already looked the sharper side before the goal. Joseph Dhata nearly opened the scoring early on, but Samuel Kato Nemeyimana cleared off the line with goalkeeper Saleh Azizi beaten.
Kitara pushed for an equaliser but found NEC goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo in inspired form.
The shot stopper produced a crucial save to deny Jimmy Kalema in a one on one chance and kept the hosts frustrated throughout the afternoon.
James Jarieko thought he had doubled NEC’s lead late on, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
The victory continues NEC’s impressive run, stretching their unbeaten streak to 17 matches while also recording a 10th straight clean sheet.
NEC move to 50 points in fifth place with three matches left against Buhimba, SC Villa and Calvary.
Kitara remain third on 54 points, six behind leaders Vipers with only three games left to play against Express, BUL and Police.
