2025/26 Uganda Premier League | Thursday April 9, 2026 | MD 22
- NEC FC Vs URA FC – 8 pm | Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
“It will be a tough game against a very good NEC side, but we are not in a good position and want to improve by winning matches,” said Hussein Mbalangu.
Those words capture the mood as Mbalangu prepares for an emotional return to face NEC, this time leading URA in a highly anticipated clash at Lugogo.
It will be his first meeting against his former side since his dismissal, with added intrigue in the dugout where he comes up against his successor, Badru Kaddu.
NEC head into the game in strong form, unbeaten in 12 league matches since their December loss to KCCA. However, their Uganda Cup exit to Vipers has forced a reset.
“We were disappointed by the loss, but now focus turns to the league. We want to achieve our target,” Kaddu said, calling on fans and sponsors to back the team.
NEC will be without Gideon Odong, Emmanuel Ajo and Joseph Dhata due to injury.
URA, meanwhile, have quietly improved under Mbalangu. They have lost just once in their last ten matches in all competitions, including a Uganda Cup win over KCCA on penalties.
The previous meeting between the two sides ended 1-1, with Ronald Kaye scoring for NEC and Moses Aliro replying for URA. NEC hold a slight edge in the fixture, with two wins from five meetings.
