At the corporate headquarters in Bugoloobi, a group of passionate football enthusiasts among the employees decided to form a team. Their aim was simple: to enjoy leisure, promote fitness, and strengthen the bonds between colleagues. Little did they know that this football club, named NEC F.C after their parent company, the National Enterprise Corporation, would embark on an extraordinary journey of triumph, passion, and unwavering determination.
NEC F.C. started her humble beginnings in the fifth tier after successful registration in association football in 2017, an unknown team with no recognizable players. However, what they lacked in infrastructure, they made up for in sheer spirit and determination. The players, coaching staff, and fans; all NEC staff, shared a deep belief in their potential and an unwavering commitment to their footballing dreams.
Year after year, NEC F.C. displayed remarkable resilience and dedication, defying the odds with each promotion. Their journey captured the imagination of their leadership and extended beyond, inspiring a growing love for football among NEC staff and other supporters who witnessed history in the making.
As they climbed through the ranks, NEC F.C. faced their first significant challenge when they entered the fourth tier. Against more established opponents, they stood tall, showcasing their talent and tenacity. Each victory proved that they were not content with mere participation; they were ready to compete at the highest level. After a triumphant victory against Kasokoso Farmers FC in the Nakawa DFA playoffs, NEC F.C. secured their promotion to the Kampala Region League’s third tier.
Just as NEC F.C. entered their first season in the Kampala Region League, the outbreak of Covid-19 brought their journey to an abrupt halt. However, this setback didn’t dampen their spirits. They continued to evolve, refining their style of play under the guidance of their newly appointed coach, Lukyamuzi Micheal Junior Skills. Their squad grew stronger, and their reputation as a force to be reckoned with spread far and wide.
In their second season, NEC F.C. left no room for error, leading their group from start to finish with only one defeat in twenty games. This success set up a showdown against Water FC to determine the Kampala Champions, and NEC F.C emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, courtesy of a goal by Gaganga Godfrey. Their promotion to the prestigious FUFA Big League was secured, marking a crucial milestone in their journey.
Now facing renowned clubs, formidable opponents, and the pressures of a higher level, NEC F.C. continued to leave its mark. They showcased the talents of local players, recruited from amateur tournaments and lower divisions while remaining true to their values and style of play. As the first round of matches concluded, NEC F.C. found themselves in the promotion places, cementing their place among the historical contenders. They knew it was only a matter of time before they achieved their ultimate goal.
With the pressure to maintain their position in the top three undeniably evident, NEC F.C. left no stone unturned. They bolstered their squad with January recruits, meticulously monitored other teams’ results on matchdays, and strategized for each game. The FUFA Big League away games presented a tough challenge, with narrow wins, frustrating draws, and heartbreaking losses. Every match brought a different dynamic, showcasing the competitiveness and intensity of the league.
The final matchday, May 18th, arrived with bright rays of sunshine embracing Mbale City. NEC F.C., prepared and determined, traveled to face the famous Kataka F.C. at the Mbale Municipal Stadium. Despite a slight injury to Captain Kavuma Marvin, Mubutu stepped up to lead the team. Kiberu Tonny opened the scoring, signaling NEC F.C’s control of the game. Though a missed penalty slightly dampened the cheers before halftime, Captain Kavuma Marvin, called upon due to another player’s injury, scored a sensational goal at the start of the second half. Walugembe Julius added a brace, and while the hosts managed to score once, it was NEC F.C.’s emphatic triumph that secured their progression to the biggest stage in the Ugandan football rankings. They finished third, amassing fifty-seven points from thirty games played.
But this wasn’t the end of NEC F.C.’s story; it was only the beginning. Reaching the first tier, NEC F.C. now rubbed shoulders with the giants of the game. However, they understood that this achievement was not the culmination of their dreams; it was an opportunity to establish themselves as a respected and competitive force in the top flight.
The tale of NEC F.C. stands as an inspiration to all who dare to dream. It is a testament to the power of unity, determination, and unwavering belief in the face of challenges. Their remarkable journey from the fifth tier to the first tier in just six years exemplifies the indomitable spirit of the club, the corporation, and its loyal supporters.
As NEC F.C. steps onto the hallowed turf of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of an entire corporation. They continue to write their story, capturing hearts, and etching their legacy in the annals of football history.
This is the inspiring tale of NEC F.C. This football club started from humble beginnings and rose to the pinnacle of Ugandan football, reminding us all that dreams are meant to be chased, obstacles are meant to be overcome, and the power of the human spirit knows no bounds.
Raymond Kayungirizi