KCCA FC will be looking to tighten their grasp on the Uganda Premier League summit when they lock horns with NEC FC in a much-anticipated Lugogo Derby at the Philip Omondi Stadium on Friday.
The Kasasiro Boys currently lead the pack with 20 points, tied with SC Villa but enjoying the advantage of a game in hand. Their confidence is high after grinding out a 2-1 win over BUL FC last weekend at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
But once again, KCCA must navigate a crucial fixture without three key pillars of their squad. Goalkeeper Charles Lukwago, defender Shafik Kwikiriza and striker Ivan Ahimbisibwe remain away on national duty with the Uganda Cranes as AFCON preparations intensify in Morocco.
Game day under the lights 💛#KCCAFC #KCCANEC #StarTimesUPL pic.twitter.com/HW2tvOS6yk
— KCCA FC (@KCCAFC) December 12, 2025
The absentee list does not end there. Center-back Peter Magambo is still recovering from surgery, while winger Etienne Katenga will only return in the second round after undergoing an operation on his leg. Brazilian midfielder Joao Gabriel also remains sidelined as he continues a rigorous rehabilitation program for a groin problem.
NEC, meanwhile, present an opponent KCCA cannot take lightly. The Bugolobi-based side, who also share the Lugogo home ground, did a league double over KCCA last season. Muzamir Mutyaba sealed a 1-0 victory in November, and Enock Ssebagala replicated the heartbreak with another decisive strike in February.
The NEC camp is loaded with familiar faces. Former KCCA favourites Paul Mucureezi, Mustafa Kizza and Benjamin Ochan now don the black-and-green, while the technical area features head coach Badru Kaddu, once a trusted lieutenant under Mike Mutebi during KCCA’s golden era.
NEC come into the derby with 11 points on the board, their latest result being a commendable 1-1 stalemate against defending champions Vipers SC.
Better late than never 😅🤷🏾♂️. Away win secured 💙💛. See you on Friday Citizens 🤙🏾@KCCAFC #lionheart pic.twitter.com/4ZpOaXZvJH
— sammy ssebaduka (@sammyssebaduka2) December 9, 2025
With both teams sharing a stadium, a history and plenty of emotional connections, the Lugogo Derby promises intensity, drama and a battle for bragging rights that extends far beyond the league table.
