URA FC head coach Hussein Mbalangu takes center stage on Thursday evening as he leads his side into Lugogo for a high-stakes reunion against his former employers, NEC FC, in matchday 22 of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
Fresh from guiding the Tax Collectors into the Uganda Cup semifinals after a spirited win over KCCA FC, Mbalangu will be eager to translate that momentum into league success, especially after URA’s recent 3-1 setback against Express FC.
The tactician has emphasized correcting past mistakes, with his sights firmly set on maximum points.
“I believe we have addressed the gaps from the previous matches. NEC are disciplined and hard to break down, but we must rise to the challenge and win,” Mbalangu noted ahead of the encounter.
NEC FC, however, present a stern test. Despite their Uganda Cup exit at the hands of Vipers SC via penalties, they remain one of the most consistent sides in the league this year.
The hosts edged Police FC 1-0 in their last outing, thanks to Ssenoga Muhammad Kagawa and head into this clash unbeaten in 2026, boasting five straight clean sheets.
Historically, encounters between the two sides have been tightly contested.
The reverse fixture ended 1-1, with Moses Aliro rescuing a point for URA after Innocent Media had given NEC the lead.
Across their last five meetings, NEC FC have a slight edge with two wins, alongside two draws and one defeat, both victories coming at Lugogo.
The trend also points toward cagey affairs, with just nine goals scored in those five games and none producing more than two goals, underlining the tactical discipline expected once again.
Meanwhile URA FC have a near full squad, with only goalkeeper Abdu Magada, Olimi Nyarwa and Arthur Kiggundu sidelined.
Earlier in the day, UPDF FC will host Mbarara City in Bombo, setting the tone before all eyes shift to Lugogo, where Mbalangu’s return adds extra narrative to an already intriguing contest.