Mbalangu Returns as NEC Host URA in High-Stakes Lugogo Clash
The fixture carries added intrigue as Hussein Mbalangu makes his first return to face NEC since his departure, now in charge of URA. The storyline naturally shifts to the touchline, where Mbalangu comes up against his successor, Badru Kaddu, in what promises to be a tactical and emotionally charged battle. NEC head into the contest in impressive form, having gone 12 consecutive matches unbeaten since their 2-1 loss to KCCA on December 12. That run has solidified their status as one of the league’s most consistent sides in recent months.
Thursday April 9, 2026
A compelling Uganda Premier League encounter is on the cards this evening as NEC FC take on URA FC under the floodlights at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
The fixture carries added intrigue as Hussein Mbalangu makes his first return to face NEC since his departure, now in charge of URA. The storyline naturally shifts to the touchline, where Mbalangu comes up against his successor, Badru Kaddu, in what promises to be a tactical and emotionally charged battle.
NEC head into the contest in impressive form, having gone 12 consecutive matches unbeaten since their 2-1 loss to KCCA on December 12. That run has solidified their status as one of the league’s most consistent sides in recent months.
However, the Bugolobi-based outfit is coming off disappointment after being knocked out of the Stanbic Uganda Cup by Vipers. For Kaddu, the focus has quickly shifted back to league ambitions.
“We were disappointed by the loss to Vipers but now focus turns to the league and we want to achieve our target,” Kaddu noted. “The target is to play well, keep building the team, and we call upon our sponsors and fans to come in big numbers.”
NEC will have to navigate the encounter without key players Gideon Odong, Emmanuel Ajo, and Joseph Dhata, all sidelined through injury—absences that could test their depth against a resurgent URA side.
For Mbalangu, the return to Lugogo is not just symbolic but also crucial in URA’s push to climb the table. Since taking over, the “Tax Collectors” have shown marked improvement, losing just once in their last 10 matches across all competitions, with five draws and four wins. That run includes a dramatic Uganda Cup victory over KCCA via penalties, which secured their place in the semi-finals.
“It will be a tough game against a very good NEC side,” Mbalangu acknowledged. “But we are not in a good position at the moment and want to improve by winning matches.”
The previous meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw at Lugogo, with Ronald Kaye scoring for NEC and Moses Aliro finding the net for URA. Historically, NEC hold a slight edge in this fixture, registering two wins compared to URA’s one, alongside two draws from their five encounters.
With NEC eager to maintain their unbeaten run and URA determined to build momentum under Mbalangu, tonight’s clash promises intensity, tactical discipline, and a strong competitive edge as both sides chase their respective league objectives.
Head-to-Head
02/10/2025 – URA FC 1-1 NEC FC,
24/05/2025 – NEC FC 1-0 URA FC,
05/12/2024 – URA FC 1-1 NEC FC,
16/04/2024 – URA FC 2-0 NEC FC,
06/12/2023 – NEC FC 2-0 URA FC
The game kicks off at 8PM with tickets at UGX 10,000 and UGX 50,000 for Standard and VIP respectively.
