NEC FC will be looking to continue their upward movement on the StarTimes Uganda Premier League table when they host UPDF FC at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026.
The Diehards head into Matchday 10 on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Blacks Power FC in Bukedea, a result that propelled them to second place on the 18-team league table.
With nine matches played, NEC FC have accumulated 20 points from six wins, two draws and one defeat, and will be seeking to maintain their momentum as the league campaign progresses.
UPDF FC, on the other hand, will be looking to climb up the standings and distance themselves from the relegation zone.
The Army side currently sit 13th on the table with eight points from eight matches, having registered two wins, two draws and four defeats. They head into the encounter following a 1-0 defeat to Kitara FC.
UPDF FC have scored nine goals and conceded seven in their eight league outings, and will be eager to return to winning ways against the Diehards.
Tuesday’s encounter will also see UPDF FC Head Coach Hussein Mbalangu face his former paymasters.
Mbalangu previously served at NEC FC between 2023 and 2025, and will now return to MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, seeking to guide his current side to a positive result against his former club.
Team News
NEC FC will be without several players as they prepare for the important fixture.
Defender Warren Buule remains sidelined through injury, while Mustafa Mujuzi continues his recovery and will not be available for selection.
Midfielder Pius Obuya will also miss the encounter due to injury.
Left-back Hakim Wandera is unavailable after receiving a red card in the Diehards’ recent outing against Blacks Power FC in Bukedea.
The rest of the squad is fit and available for selection, giving Head Coach Kaddu Badru Mukasa several options as the Diehards prepare for Tuesday’s clash.
What the Manager Said
Head Coach Kaddu Badru Mukasa has emphasized the need for his side to be clinical in front of goal while remaining defensively solid.
“This game is tricky. Last time we scored many goals against Ntugasaze, but only scored one against Blacks Power FC, so we must be very clinical in finishing and being invisible such that we don’t concede,” said Kaddu.
The coach will be hoping his charges translate their recent performances into another positive result as they seek to maintain their position among the league’s top sides.
Head-to-Head
Tuesday’s encounter will be the seventh meeting between NEC FC and UPDF FC in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
In the previous six encounters, NEC FC have held the upper hand with three victories, while the other three matches ended in stalemates.
In the reverse fixture last season, the Diehards secured a 1-0 victory over UPDF FC at Lugogo.
The Army side will be hoping to change that record, while NEC FC will be determined to extend their unbeaten run against their visitors.
Matchday Details
NEC FC Vs UPDF FC
Competition: StarTimes Uganda Premier League 2026/27
Matchday: 10
Date: Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026
Venue: MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo