Express Football Club have confirmed the exit of four senior players in a bold mid-season decision as the Red Eagles attempt to reset their campaign in what has been a turbulent 2025/26 Uganda Premier League season.
The seven-time champions announced the departures through their official social media channels, formally communicating the changes to supporters and the wider football community.
“The club would like to inform the general public of the departure of Basangwa, Kagawa, Kawawa, and Wandera,” the statement read. “Thank you for the memories and wishing you all the best in your next adventure.”
Those leaving Wankulukuku include versatile attacker Richard Basangwa, who had become an important piece in Express’ recent rebuilding efforts, and creative midfielder Muhammad Kagawa, signed to inject flair and imagination into the side’s attacking play.
Also on the way out is Rashid Kawawa, whose energy, pace and clever movement in midfield made him a frequent feature in the team’s line-ups, while defender Hakim Wandera departs after contributing to the club’s defensive structure over recent campaigns.
The club would like to inform the general public of the departure of Basangwa, Kagawa, Kawawa, and Wandera. ✍️
Thank you for the memories and wishing you all the best in your next adventure🤝#MukwanoGwabangi 🔴 🦅 pic.twitter.com/rvMh9yYxIO
— Express FC (@ExpressFCUganda) February 9, 2026
The timing of the decision has sparked debate among supporters. Mid-season is traditionally a period for recruitment and reinforcement, yet Express have instead opted to thin their squad, a move that leaves the Red Eagles lighter in numbers ahead of a demanding second half of the season.
With results already failing to meet expectations, the departures have placed the club’s hierarchy under growing scrutiny.
Large sections of the fanbase believe the leadership has struggled to chart a clear path back to the summit of Ugandan football, where Express once reigned as a dominant force.
As the Red Eagles look to navigate the remainder of the campaign, the onus now falls squarely on the board and technical team to demonstrate that this clear-out forms part of a coherent strategy to salvage a season that has so far fallen well short of the club’s storied standards.
