UPL: ‘KCCA Prepared well for National Cleaning Day Not League Opener’, NEC Discovers
NEC FC Silence KCCA in Lugogo to Open UPL Campaign with Victory
By Kayiira Jackson
NEC FC made a flying start to the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season after defeating their landlords KCCA FC 2-0 at the Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Saturday.
Richard Basangwa and substitute Pius Obuya scored either side of the break to hand Badru Kaddu’s side maximum points and further underline their growing dominance over the Kasasiro Boys.
NEC needed just five minutes to break the deadlock. Basangwa reacted quickly to meet Jarieko James’ inviting cross from the right flank, guiding a neat tap-in past the KCCA defence to give the visitors an early advantage.
KCCA responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but NEC remained disciplined and organised, particularly in midfield and defence.
Allan Mugalu, Ibrahim Kiyemba, goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo and Gideon Odongo stood out for NEC as they frustrated KCCA’s attacking efforts and ensured the visitors carried their advantage into the break.
KCCA continued to press after the restart, with Charles Lwanga coming close on two occasions, while Ashraf Mugume also threatened to restore parity.
However, Ssebwalunyo was in inspired form between the posts, producing a series of impressive saves to keep NEC ahead.
With KCCA committing numbers forward in search of an equaliser, NEC found the opportunity to kill the game in stoppage time.
Substitute Pius Obuya collected a cleared ball around the centre circle, drove towards goal, rounded goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa and calmly finished into an empty net to seal a memorable 2-0 victory.
The result also strengthened NEC’s impressive record against KCCA in the Uganda Premier League.
Since their first league meeting in 2023, the two sides have now faced each other seven times, with NEC winning five encounters while KCCA have managed two victories.
Other Matchday One Results
Friday
– Vipers SC 0-1 Entebbe UPPC
Saturday
– Police FC 1-0 Mbarara City
– SC Villa 1-1 Kitara FC
– Lugazi FC 2-1 Kigezi Homeboys
– Blacks Power 1-0 Ntungasaze FC
– UPDF FC 0-0 Kataka FC
– KCCA FC 0-2 NEC FC