NEC FC have officially brought an end to their working relationship with head coach Hussein Mbalangu, confirming that both sides reached an amicable agreement to terminate his contract.
The decision concludes a tense few weeks for the seasoned tactician, who was recently suspended for two months following his involvement in the Masaza Cup tournament with Ssingo.
“We announce today that a decision has been made to mutually terminate our contract with head coach Hussein Mbalangu, effective immediately,” read part of a statement released by the club.
“In a joint agreement, the club has unconditionally relieved and released Coach Mbalangu from all obligations associated with his role as head coach,” the statement added.
Mbalangu’s departure ends a remarkable spell at the helm of the “Die Hards,” during which he elevated the youthful club to unexpected heights in Ugandan football. In just his first full season, the CAF A–licensed coach guided NEC to a runners-up finish in the Uganda Premier League, an astonishing achievement that instantly boosted his reputation as one of the most tactically astute coaches in the country.
We extend our gratitude to Coach Mbalangu for his invaluable contributions to the team and wish him the very best in his future endeavors. pic.twitter.com/bGbQnuvph8
— NEC FC (@Nec_Fc) November 5, 2025
Appointed in 2023 as the successor to Michael “Skills” Lukyamuzi, who had overseen NEC’s promotion from the FUFA Big League, Mbalangu wasted no time in turning the newly promoted side into title challengers. His team’s memorable run to the 2024 Stanbic Uganda Cup final, where they narrowly lost to Kitara FC, further underlined his ability to extract the best from his players.
NEC are now expected to unveil Mbalangu’s replacement in the coming days as they aim to restore focus and momentum ahead of the next chapter of their campaign.
Before his tenure with NEC, Mbalangu managed several clubs including Blacks Power, Mbarara City, Arua Hill SC, and Azam FC Bweyogerere, and also enjoyed a coaching stint in Somalia.
