UPL: Aliro the Lifeline as Tax Collectors Survive NEC Scare

By: Kayiira Jackson 

National Enterprise Cooperation (NEC) opened their 2025/26 Uganda Premier League campaign with a spirited 1-1 draw against Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) in a thrilling night clash at Hamz Stadium on Thursday, October 2.

Goals from Innocent Media and URA skipper Moses Aliro ensured both sides settled for a share of the spoils in a game filled with drama, resilience, and late heroics.

Fresh from their CAF Confederation Cup exit last week, NEC quickly shifted focus to domestic action—and they struck first. In the 10th minute, Media pounced on a loose ball inside the box, calmly tapping home to give the visitors an early lead.

From then on, it was all URA as the tax collectors pressed relentlessly. NEC, however, defended doggedly and clung onto their 1-0 advantage until halftime.

The turning point came just after the restart. In the 49th minute, Aliro rose highest to meet Laban Tibitah’s perfectly weighted corner, nodding home to level matters at 1-1. Tibitah nearly turned the game on its head moments later, but his close-range effort ricocheted off the post with NEC goalkeeper Ssebwalunyo well beaten.

Both teams traded blows as the second half wore on, with NEC refusing to sit back while URA pushed for a winner. The game ended with drama in the closing minutes: NEC defender James Begisa was stretchered off after a head collision and rushed to St. Catherine Hospital, before URA goalkeeper Kusiima produced a sensational last-gasp save to deny Paul Mucurezi’s header.

At full-time, the score remained locked at 1-1, leaving URA with two points from their opening games while NEC earned their first of the season.

URA will next host Express FC at Hamz Stadium, as NEC prepare to welcome Police FC to their home turf.