Sunday, August 30
•BUL Vs Express – Njeru
•Maroons Vs URA – Wankulukuku
Express FC are hoping a new era of leadership, sponsorship and recruitment can help revive the fortunes of one of Uganda’s traditional football giants as they begin their 2026/27 Uganda Premier League campaign.
The Red Eagles travel to Njeru to face BUL FC on Sunday in what will be the first competitive test of a significantly revamped side.
Express have endured several difficult seasons, with financial challenges and players going months without pay affecting the club’s stability and performances.
However, there is renewed optimism following the appointment of Becky Cynthia Nakimera as Chief Executive Officer, alongside new sponsorship deals and a raft of player changes aimed at restoring the club to its former glory.
On the technical bench, former KCCA FC and SC Villa coach Morley Byekwaso has taken charge, replacing Jimmy Kintu Mwera, who left to join URA FC.
Byekwaso will have several new faces to work with, including the return of forwards Alpha Ssali and Isaac Wagoina.
Experienced goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya, Shafik Batambuze, Andy Kyambadde, Amisi Bwangani, Rogers Atube and Aggrey Atandu are among the familiar names expected to provide experience to the squad.
The club has also brought in Hamidu Nsubuga, Keiden King, Marvin Ssebirango, Jonah Mugisha, John Kiseska, Nicholas Jjonga, Abasi Muluya, Michael Lutaya and Steven Yiga, among others.
Several players have, however, departed, including goalkeeper Khassim Hafizi, Marvin Nyanzi, John Assiimwe and Mikidad Ssenyonga.
Byekwaso’s immediate challenge will be to build chemistry within a squad containing several new faces, while managing expectations from a fan base eager to see Express return to their competitive best.
The Red Eagles finished 10th in the 2025/26 campaign with 37 points from 30 matches, winning nine, drawing 10 and losing 11.
Their opening assignment against BUL will provide a stern test, and will look to pass it without Moses Sseruyidde. BUL beat Express 2-0 at Nakivubo last season, although the corresponding fixture in Njeru ended goalless.
BUL will be coached by Alex Isabirye, who previously had an unsuccessful spell in charge of Express.
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