Stanbic Uganda Cup Today, 3pm
UPDF v NEC
Maroons v Kumi Utd
Tomorrow
Police v Lugazi
Tapo Utd v Mutolere
Today, NEC FC travel to Bombo to face sister side UPDF FC in a crucial Uganda Cup Round of 32 tie, with a coveted spot in the last 16 hanging in the balance.
While their last encounter in the Uganda Premier League ended 0-0 last December, the circumstances have shifted dramatically. NEC arrive on a wave of confidence, unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions, while UPDF continue to struggle near the foot of the league and are desperate for a turnaround.
Momentum has gradually grown under head coach Badru Kaddu, who steadied the ship after a shaky start and the sacking of former coach Hussein Mbalangu. NEC’s recent run—four wins and four draws—has propelled them into seventh place on the UPL table with 24 points, showing they can challenge even the top teams. Highlights include a commanding 3-1 victory over KCCA FC and a resilient 1-1 draw away to reigning champions Vipers SC.
Kaddu’s January reinforcements—Richard Basangwa, Rashid Kawawa, Muhamad, and Ssenoga, all recruited from his former club Express FC—have injected fresh energy and attacking firepower. Combined with the in-form midfield dynamo Joseph Sseremba, NEC look well-equipped to dominate today’s clash.
In contrast, UPDF’s season has been a struggle. Sitting 15th with just 12 points from 17 matches, the army side is enduring an eight-game winless streak, including five defeats and three draws. Their most recent result, a 1-0 defeat at Lugazi FC, underlined the challenges facing head coach Alex Gita and his players.
Today’s Uganda Cup clash in Bombo will test whether NEC’s unbeaten streak can continue or if UPDF can defy the odds and pull off an upset on home turf.
