NEC FC welcome URA FC as unbeaten start faces another test at Lugogo
The Diehards will be seeking maximum points in front of their home supporters as they look to maintain their unbeaten start to the new campaign and strengthen their position among the early pace-setters.
KAMPALA: NEC FC will return to home action on Tuesday afternoon when they host URA FC in a Matchday Four encounter of the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
The Diehards will be seeking maximum points in front of their home supporters as they look to maintain their unbeaten start to the new campaign and strengthen their position among the early pace-setters.
NEC FC have made an encouraging start to the season, collecting seven points from their opening three matches to sit third on the league table, just two points behind the leaders.
Their latest outing, however, saw them drop points on the road after playing out a goalless draw against Mbarara City FC at Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge.
Despite creating a number of opportunities during the encounter, NEC FC were unable to find the decisive finish, eventually settling for a point.
The result nevertheless extended their unbeaten run and provided another indication of the team's defensive resilience, although manager Kaddu Badru Mukasa will be looking for greater efficiency in front of goal against URA FC.
The return to Lugogo could provide the Diehards with the platform they need to rediscover their attacking rhythm. NEC FC opened their campaign with impressive victories over KCCA FC and Lugazi FC, scoring five goals across the two matches. They will therefore be hoping to reproduce that attacking form when they face the Tax Collectors.
URA FC, meanwhile, arrive at Lugogo with a game in hand after their Matchday Three fixture was postponed due to Kitara FC's continental engagement.
The Tax Collectors have collected three points from their opening two matches, winning their opening fixture before suffering defeat in their second outing.
They currently occupy ninth position and will be eager to return to winning ways as they seek to climb the standings.
With URA FC having had additional time between matches, NEC FC will need to be at their best to prevent the visitors from taking advantage of any lapses.
Basangwa return boosts NEC
NEC FC have received a timely boost ahead of the contest with the return of forward Richard Basangwa.
Basangwa missed the trip to Kamwenge through injury but has now returned to contention, providing the Diehards with another attacking option.
The forward had already made an impact at the beginning of the campaign, and his availability could be important as NEC FC look to convert their chances into goals.
There is also encouraging news surrounding long-term absentee Tonny Atukunda, who has regained full fitness and is now available for selection after missing the first three matches of the season.
However, NEC FC will still have several players unavailable.
Fahad Bayo continues to recover from a muscle strain and will not feature, while defender Ibrahim Musa remains sidelined as he undergoes rehabilitation from a knee injury involving a partial tear of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
Hakim Wandera will also miss the encounter after travelling to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with the Uganda U20 Men's National Team for the ongoing CECAFA U20 Championship.
Mukasa confident ahead of URA test
NEC FC head coach Kaddu Badru Mukasa believes his side are prepared for the challenge posed by URA FC.
“URA FC is a good team but we are prepared to play against them and we hope to put up a good show and the boys’ attitude exhibited is very okay ahead of the game,” the coach said.
Mukasa will be hoping his players can translate that positive attitude into another strong performance at home.
The Diehards have already demonstrated their ability to compete at the top end of the table, but Tuesday's fixture will provide another test of their consistency as the season gathers momentum.
NEC hold the upper hand in head-to-head record
Historically, NEC FC have enjoyed the better record in meetings between the two sides.
Tuesday's match will be the seventh meeting between NEC FC and URA FC in the Uganda Premier League.
The Diehards have won three of the previous six encounters, drawn two and lost just once.
The two sides were closely matched last season, with the first-leg encounter ending in a 1-1 draw before NEC FC claimed a narrow 1-0 victory in the return fixture at Lugogo.
That record will give the home side additional confidence, although past results will count for little once the two teams take to the pitch.
Maximum points the target
With seven points already collected, NEC FC will see Tuesday's fixture as an opportunity to keep pace with the leading teams.
A victory would take the Diehards to 10 points and potentially strengthen their position near the summit, depending on results elsewhere.
URA FC, on the other hand, will be determined to use their game in hand to move up the table and reignite their campaign.
The Tax Collectors' need for points, combined with NEC FC's desire to protect their unbeaten record, sets the stage for a competitive encounter at Lugogo.
For NEC FC, the priority will be clear: turn home advantage into three points, improve their attacking efficiency and continue building momentum in what promises to be a closely contested 2026/27 league campaign.
Matchday Details NEC FC vs URA FC
Competition: StarTimes Uganda Premier League 2026/27
Matchday: 4
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Kick-off: 4:00pm
Venue: MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
John Kusolo is a Pastor, Sports Enthusiast and Ugandan journalist with Nile Chronicles News (NCN). With a strong commitment to journalistic excellence, he is recognized for his dedication, goal-oriented approach, and ability to thrive in challenging environments. Kusolo brings focused motivation and professionalism to his reporting and media assignments.
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