As we open our second round of the 2025/26 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season, against KCCA FC this evening at 8:00PM, we are delighted announce the new signings alongside a contract extension.
Speaking before the media, Coach KB noted that “The January transfer window strategy was solely based on our desire to recruit players who play the NEC way; that is entertaining and winning football”.
Hannington Ssebwalunyo signs new contract
Goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo has signed a new contract with the club, extending his stay until 2028. Ssebwalunyo, who joined us in July 2024, has quickly established himself as one of the most reliable players at NEC FC.
Over his one and a half seasons with the club, he has been a mainstay in goal, featuring in the majority of our matches and delivering consistent performances that have been crucial to the team’s success.
Muhammad Kagawa Senoga
We’re delighted to confirm that versatile attacking midfielder Muhammad Kagawa has joined NEC FC from Express FC on a two-year contract.
The 24-year-old, a FUFA Juniors League graduate who shone for Vipers JT, brings pace, creativity, and proven goal threat after featuring for KCCA FC, Tooro United, SC Villa, and Express FC.
This season, Kagawa has been electric in the Uganda Premier League golden boot race, netting 6 goals before his move—placing him firmly in contention.
He wasted no time making his mark: on debut in the Stanbic Uganda Cup against Mabira TC, he scored his first goal for the club, earned Linqsoft Aluminum Man of the Match, and helped secure a 2-0 victory.
Welcome to the family, Kagawa!
Richard Basangwa
We’re thrilled to announce that the dynamic rRichard Basangwa has joined NEC FC from Express FC.
The last with a proven talent and international pedigree, having represented the Uganda Hippos at the 2021 AFCON U20 in Mauritania, where he was instrumental and helped the team to a historic silver medal finish.
A product of St Mary’s Kitende, Basangwa has built an exciting career across top clubs: starting at Vipers SC, a short loan at Gaddafi FC, a spell abroad with Egyptian side Wadi Degla, and most recently starring for Express FC in the Uganda Premier League.
His pace, directness, and ability to deliver from the flanks will add real firepower and width to our forward line as we push for success in the league and cup.
Welcome to the orange and green, Richard!
Hakim Wandera
We’re proud to announce that the reliable left-back has joined NEC FC from Express FC on a three-year contract.
The experienced defender, previously a key figure in the Red Eagles’ backline, brings composure, tactical awareness, and versatility—capable of operating on either flank—to strengthen our defensive unit.
Wandera arrives as a direct reinforcement following Mustafa Kizza’s departure to Nairobi United, adding depth and quality as we regroup and charge toward the top in the Uganda Premier League and cup competitions.
Welcome to the red family, Hakim!
Rashid Kawawa
The talented West Nile-born star, one of the region’s most promising football exports, first burst onto the scene as a teenager with Oli Rising Stars in 2017 before making his mark at Arua Hill SC—where he was crowned UPL Young Player of the Season 2021/22 for his standout performances, including crucial goals that helped the club in their campaigns. He later shone for Express FC, delivering energy, creativity, and flair in midfield.
Coming from a footballing family—his elder brother Mansoor Agu Safi is also a respected midfielder—Rashid brings that same pedigree, vision, and work rate to bolster our attacking options as we chase success in the Uganda Premier League and beyond.
Welcome to the Diehards family, Rashid!
Pius Obuya
We’re pleased to confirm that the experienced attacking midfielder has joined NEC FC on a three-year contract.
Hailing from Pallisa and returns to the Uganda Premier League after five successful years abroad in Serbia. He plied his trade in the Serbian First League (second tier) with FK Kabel Novi Sad (where he made 19 appearances) before moving to FK Radnički Sremska Mitrovica, showcasing his technical ability, composure, and creativity in midfield.
Back home, Pius rose through the ranks at Maroons FC, making his senior debut in 2015 against Express FC at Mutesa II Stadium. He represented Uganda at youth international level, featuring for the U17 Cubs in 2014 and the U20 Hippos in 2017, earning a reputation as a composed playmaker with an eye for a pass and strong left foot.
His international experience and proven quality add depth, vision, and maturity to our midfield as we build momentum in the second round of the season.
Welcome to the Diehards family.
Juma Mutebi
We’re delighted to announce that towering youthful goalkeeper Juma Mutebi has joined NEC FC from Lugazi FC on a three-year contract.
The 23-year-old, standing at an imposing height, brings commanding presence, agility, and shot-stopping ability to strengthen our goalkeeping options.
The match kicks off at 8:00PM at the MTN Omondi Stadium – Lugogo as we take on KCCA the sixth time in our UPL history looking to win our 4th game of this fixture having managed 3 wins previously.