NEC FC’s fairytale rise under coach Hussein Mbalangu has come to an abrupt end, with the tactician officially parting ways with the Bugolobi-based side following weeks of uncertainty about his future.
The club on Wednesday confirmed that Mbalangu’s contract had been terminated by mutual consent bringing to a close a successful yet turbulent two-year spell in which he turned NEC into one of Uganda’s most formidable football sides.
Mbalangu’s departure comes barely a month after he was suspended over what the club termed “professional and ethical misconduct.” Sources close to the team, however, suggest deeper tensions behind the scenes, including disagreements with senior officials and his controversial involvement with Ssaza Ssingo in the Masaza Cup without the club’s approval.
Appointed in 2023, Mbalangu instantly stamped his mark guiding NEC to a sixth-place finish in their debut Uganda Premier League season and leading them to the Uganda Cup final. A year later, his side stunned many by finishing just two points shy of champions Vipers SC, earning a historic ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup.
Yet that continental dream ended early, with NEC bowing out to Nairobi United on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate draw a setback some insiders believe accelerated the fallout.
While the club insists the split was amicable, Mbalangu’s exit marks the end of an era defined by bold ambition and rapid progress. NEC is expected to name a new head coach in the coming days as they attempt to build on the foundation he leaves behind.
