Thursday April 9, 2026
- UPDF vs Mbarara City – Military Barracks Grounds, Bombo 4pm
- NEC vs URA– MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo 8pm
For the first time since he was sacked, Hussein Mbalangu returns to face NEC as URA makes a short trip from Nakivubo to Lugogo in a highly anticipated clash.
The focus could turn to the dug out where he faces Badru Kaddu who replaced him as coach.
Heading into the game, NEC are unbeaten consecutive twelve matches since a 2-1 defeat to KCCA on December 12.
The Bugolobi based side were eliminated from the Stanbic Uganda Cup by Vipers and Kaddu says focus now turns to achieving success in the league.
“We were disappointed by the loss to Vipers but now focus turns to the league and we want to achieve our target,” said Kaddu.
“The target is to play well and keep building the team and we call upon our sponsors and fans to come in big numbers,” he added.
NEC are without Gideon Odong, Emmanuel Ajo and Joseph Dhata through injury.
For Mbalangu who saw his side reach the semi-final of Uganda Cup after beating KCCA in dramatic fashion wants his side to continue rising on the table.
“It will be a tough game against a very good NEC side,” said Mbalangu. “But we are not in a good position at the moment and want to improve by winning matches,” he added.
The tax collectors have improved since Mbalangu took over and have lost just once in 10 matches in all competitions [D5, W4] including a penalty shootout win over KCCA.
The reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw at Lugogo with Ronald Kaye netting for NEC while Moses Aliro scored for the four-time winners.
In the five meetings between the two sides, NEC boosts of a better head-to-head with 2 wins. [D2, L1]
Other match day 22 fixtures
Friday April 10, 2026
- Lugazi vs Entebbe – Lugazi stadium, Najjembe 4pm
- Vipers vs Kitara – St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende 8pm
Saturday April 11, 2026
- Calvary vs Buhimba United Saints – Midigo PS Grounds 4pm
- SC Villa vs KCCA – Fufa stadium, Kadiba 8pm
