NEC FC suffered their first defeat of the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season after falling 2-1 to BUL FC in a Matchday Seven encounter at Njeru on Wednesday.
The Diehards fought back to level the score through substitute Marvin Oshaba in the second half, but Swabir Mpasa’s goal proved decisive as the hosts claimed maximum points.
Head coach Kaddu made several changes to his starting lineup, with Juma Mutebi starting in goal, Hakim Wandera returning at left-back, James Jarieko coming back on the wing, and Innocent Media leading the attack.
BUL FC took the lead in the 14th minute through Ronald Madoi, leaving NEC FC with work to do as they sought a response. The Diehards created opportunities to get back into the game, with Jarieko delivering a cross that was safely collected by the hosts’ goalkeeper before Wandera sent a free-kick over the bar in the 26th minute.
Kaddu made his first change in the 32nd minute, introducing Tonny Atukunda for Enrique Lubwama as NEC FC searched for an equaliser. Ibrahim Musa was booked in the 40th minute, and the Diehards went into the break trailing 1-0.
NEC FC returned for the second half determined to turn the game around, with Marvin Oshaba replacing Innocent Media immediately after the restart.
The change paid off four minutes later when Oshaba found the back of the net in the 50th minute. The forward finished off a brilliant setup from Atukunda to restore parity and give the Diehards renewed hope.
NEC FC continued to press forward, producing some attractive attacking football. In the 66th minute, Wandera delivered a well-weighted cross to Richard Basangwa, whose header narrowly missed the target.
However, BUL FC regained the lead a minute later through Swabir Mpasa, leaving NEC FC trailing 2-1 once again.
Kaddu responded with a double substitution in the 70th minute, bringing on Fahad Bayo and Kagawa Ssenoga for Jarieko and Allan Mugalu as the visitors looked to find another equaliser.
The Diehards continued to push for a way back into the contest. In the 80th minute, Jacob Okao unleashed a powerful effort from distance, but the BUL FC goalkeeper stood firm to deny him.
Emmanuel Kulanga replaced Daniel Shabene in the 84th minute as NEC FC made their final change of the afternoon.
Four minutes of added time offered the visitors a final opportunity to salvage a point. In the 90th minute, Kulanga came agonisingly close to scoring, but his effort struck the woodwork as NEC FC desperately searched for an equaliser. Oshaba was booked in the 90+3rd minute as the contest approached its conclusion.
Despite their efforts, the Diehards could not find a second goal, and the final whistle confirmed a 2-1 defeat.
The result marks NEC FC’s first defeat of the season and their first-ever defeat against BUL FC, bringing their unbeaten run to an end.
Despite the setback, NEC FC remain third on the StarTimes Uganda Premier League table with 14 points, although results from other fixtures will determine their final position on the 18-team standings.
The Diehards will now turn their attention to their next assignment, when they host Ntugasaze FC on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, with the aim of returning to winning ways in front of their home supporters.