NEC FC will begin their quest for the 2026/27 Startimes Uganda Premier League title away from home when they take on neighbours KCCA FC in the Lugogo Derby on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
The Diehards head into the opening fixture with renewed ambition and confidence following an encouraging pre-season, which saw them reach the final of the FUFA Super 8 tournament.
Ironically, their first league assignment brings them face-to-face with the same opponents who denied them silverware in the pre-season tournament. KCCA FC edged NEC FC 1-0 in the FUFA Super 8 final a week ago to lift the trophy.
However, with the league now underway, NEC FC will put that result firmly behind them as the focus shifts to a new challenge and, ultimately, the battle for the league crown.
Head coach Kaddu Badru Mukasa will be looking to guide his side to a winning start and set the tone for what the club hopes will be a memorable campaign. A positive result at Lugogo would also maintain the feel-good factor that has surrounded the Diehards following their preparations for the new season.
A STRENGTHENED SQUAD
NEC FC have enjoyed a busy off-season in the transfer market, significantly strengthening the squad ahead of their fourth season in the Startimes Uganda Premier League.
The club brought in Uganda Cranes forward Fahad Bayo, midfielders Enrique Lubwama, and Enock Tumwesigye and defender Mustafa Mujuzi, while young goalkeeper Gilbert Mazige has been promoted to the senior team.
The club has also retained key members of the squad through a number of lengthy contract extensions, including captain Marvin Kavuma, who recently committed his future to NEC FC for another five years.
The additions and renewals have further underlined the clubβs ambition as they look to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level of Ugandan football.
The 2026/27 campaign represents NEC FCβs fourth season in the Startimes Uganda Premier League, with the club continuing to establish itself among the leading sides in Ugandan football.
The ambition this season is clear: compete for the league title.
That journey begins at Lugogo, against familiar opponents, in a derby that promises to provide an early test of NEC FCβs credentials.
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Kaddu Badru Mukasa βWeβve worked on putting away our chances created because we create about 14 shots but have many off targets, so this time around we shall take away the chances created because winning and visibility are what makes a champion,β
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NEC FC will be without new signing Fahad Bayo for todayβs derby after the forward suffered a muscle strain. Bayo is currently undergoing light training as he continues his recovery.
Defender Ibrahim Musa will also miss the fixture after sustaining a knee injury involving a partial tear of the posterior cruciate ligament. The defender is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
The rest of the squad is fit and available for selection as Kaddu names his team for the opening-day encounter.
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Recent league meetings between the two sides provide encouragement for the Diehards.
In the last six league meetings, NEC FC have recorded four victories against KCCA FC, while losing twice.
The most recent league meeting ended in a convincing 3-1 victory for NEC FC, giving the Diehards confidence as they head into Saturdayβs derby.
However, with both sides starting a fresh league campaign, past results will count for little once the whistle goes.
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Before kick-off, both teams and everyone in attendance at the MTN Omondi Stadium will observe a moment of silence in honour of His Majesty the Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who passed away on August 27, 2026.
In honour of his legacy, love, passion and contribution to football, FUFA communicated that a moment of silence will be observed before kick-off of all football competitions, events and activities organised across the country from August 28 to September 4, 2026.
The Lugogo Derby will therefore begin with a moment of reflection as Ugandan football pays tribute to the fallen Tooro monarch.
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- Referee: – Semere Asadu
- Assistant Referee 1: – Zziwa Charles
- Assistant Referee 2: – Mugerwa Innocent
- Fourth Official: – Jjumba Solomon
- Referee Assessor: – Kubingi Margaret
- Technical Officer: – Lukooya Baker
- General Coordinator: – Sumaya Kiwanuka