2025/26 Uganda Premier League | MD 14 | Tuesday January 27
- Buhimba United Saints 0-1 NEC FC
Innocent Media was the difference at Royals Park, Butema, on Tuesday, his early goal sealing a hard fought 1–0 win for NEC FC over Buhimba United Saints on the outskirts of Hoima City.
Media struck just minutes into the contest, reacting fastest to a clever lay-off from Joseph Sseremba to beat the home defence.
It proved to be the decisive moment in a match that demanded patience, discipline and resilience from the visitors.
Fresh from a 3–3 draw with Kitara at Lugogo, NEC head coach Badru Kaddu made five changes to his starting XI.
Hannington Ssebwalunyo returned in goal, Gideon Odongo came in at left back, Warren Buule partnered Patrick Bayiga in midfield, Allan Mugalu replaced Shamir Kimwero, while Emmanuel Kulanga was handed a start.
The reshuffle was disrupted early when Kulanga limped off injured after 12 minutes, forcing an early change as James Jarieko entered the fray.
Two minutes later, NEC made it count. Media pounced inside the box, steering home Sseremba’s assist to put the visitors ahead.
From then on, Buhimba United took the initiative, pushing forward in search of an equaliser.
NEC were forced onto the back foot, but Ssebwalunyo stood tall, producing a series of saves to preserve the slender lead as the hosts pressed relentlessly.
At the final whistle, NEC’s relief was clear. The win moves them up to seventh on 19 points, while Buhimba United Saints remain 12th with 13 points and still struggling for consistency.
NEC will next host Express FC at the Phillip Omondi Stadium on January 31. Buhimba United, meanwhile, face a tough trip to Kitende to take on Vipers SC a day earlier.
Elsewhere, Entebbe UPPC and Maroons played out a goalless draw in Bugonga, Calvary and URA shared the spoils in Midigo, Lugazi beat BUL 2–1 in Najjembe, and KCCA FC swept past UPDF FC 4–0 at Lugogo.
Later tonight, leaders Vipers SC host Police FC under the lights at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
