Uganda Premier League Today, 4pm
UPDF v Vipers
At 8pm
KCCA v Express
URA v Lugazi
A midweek Uganda Premier League showdown is on the cards at the MTN Omondi Stadium as KCCA FC host rivals Express FC in one of the country’s most storied football rivalries.
The fixture arrives with the two sides heading into the clash in contrasting form. KCCA FC have gathered momentum in recent weeks, registering four straight victories in all competitions and strengthening their push near the top of the league table. The Lugogo side currently sits third with 39 points and will be keen to maintain pressure on the title contenders.
Express FC, meanwhile, arrive with a different storyline. The “Red Eagles” have become difficult to break down but have struggled to turn draws into victories. Their most recent outing ended in a stalemate against SC Villa, extending a run of five consecutive league draws. Despite conceding only once during that stretch, the results have left Express positioned 10th on the standings with 20 points from 19 matches.
Wednesday’s encounter will also carry a touch of familiarity for two Express midfielders. Lawrence Bukenya and Gift Ali, once key figures in KCCA’s midfield, now line up for the Red Eagles and are set to face their former club at Lugogo.
When the two sides last met in October 2025, KCCA edged Express 1-0 thanks to a strike from Sammy Ssebaduka. Historically, the head-to-head numbers also lean in KCCA’s favour, with the Kasasiro Boys winning 16 of the previous 34 meetings compared to Express’ six victories, while 14 matches have ended level.
KCCA co-head coach Jackson Magera Kaddu has urged his players to treat the contest with the seriousness it deserves, stressing that derby matches are often decided by narrow margins. He noted that games between KCCA and Express rarely come easy and require both intensity and composure, adding that his players must be clinical when chances come because opportunities in such fixtures are usually limited.
In recent form, KCCA FC defeated Police FC 2-1, beat Buhimba United Saints 2-0 away, edged Mbarara City FC 1-0 in the Uganda Cup, and claimed a 2-1 win over BUL FC, although they earlier fell 3-1 to NEC FC. Express FC, on the other hand, drew 0-0 with SC Villa, shared a 1-1 draw with Maroons FC, played out a goalless stalemate against Calvary FC, drew 0-0 with Entebbe UPPC FC, and also settled for a 0-0 draw away to NEC FC.
KCCA could receive a boost with Angolan winger Etienne Katenga and Brazilian wide man Joao Gabriel returning to the squad after recovering from injuries. Defender Gavin Kizito has also resumed full training following a rib injury suffered against Police FC.
However, the hosts will be without assistant captain Derrick Nsibambi and midfielder Bright Anukani, both sidelined with knee injuries. Forward James Mubezi is also ruled out after undergoing surgery for a fractured hand, while Alpha Thierry Ssali misses the derby due to a hamstring problem.
Club captain Charles Lukwago will not feature as he is currently away on compassionate leave following the passing of his mother.
With pride, history and crucial league points on the line, another intense chapter of the KCCA-Express rivalry is expected under the Lugogo lights.
