18 Clean Sheets, 2 Goals, 2 Awards: Ssebwalunyo Dominates NEC FC Honours Night

Ssebwalunyo Bags Double As NEC FC Honours Standouts at 2025/26 Season Dinner

NEC FC wrapped up the 2025/26 campaign in style at their end-of-season dinner, celebrating individual brilliance and collective progress. With three players earning national team call-ups and goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo walking away with two major awards, the night underscored a season of growth for the club. Head Coach Kaddu Badru Mukasa made it clear the ambition now is silverware.

Coach’s Take

“Three of our players earning national team call-ups is a big achievement for the club. But we can’t switch off now, the mission is to bring home a trophy. Next season, we must raise our standards and fight for glory,” said Head Coach Kaddu Badru Mukasa.

NEC FC 2025/26 Season Awards

Goalkeeper & Fans’ Player of the Season: Hannington Ssebwalunyo.

Ssebwalunyo was the undisputed star of the night, taking home two awards. He kept 18 clean sheets across all competitions — 14 in the Uganda Premier League and 4 in the Stanbic Uganda Cup — proving his command between the posts. Remarkably, he also scored 2 league goals, a rare feat for a keeper, and his performances earned him a national team call-up. His consistency and fan connection made him the obvious choice for both accolades.

Defender of the Season: Warren Buule
Buule arrived from relegated Soltilo Bright Stars FC just last season and slotted in seamlessly. His composure and reading of the game gave NEC’s backline stability, and he quickly became a key figure in a defense that allowed Ssebwalunyo to rack up clean sheets.

Forward of the Season: Richard Basangwa
Nicknamed “The Bulldozer” for his pace and physicality, Basangwa joined mid-season from Express FC and made an instant impact. His direct running and energy stretched defenses, and his form was rewarded with a national team summons by Paul Put.

Credit to Sportslens – Atukunda Tony

Club MVP: Tonny Atukunda
A January transfer who dictated the midfield, Atukunda brought control and creativity to NEC’s engine room. His arrival gave the team balance in the second half of the season, making him the standout all-round performer.

Midfielder of the Season: Joseph Sseremba.
A breakout campaign for Sseremba. The box-to-box midfielder combined tenacity with an eye for goal and chance creation in his debut Uganda Premier League season.

His energy and end product also earned him a national team call-up — a season to remember for the youngster. Joined NEC Football Club last season from FUFA Big League side Kigezi HomeBoyz Football Club.

Goal of the Season: Emmanuel Kukanga vs SC Villa.

Kukanga’s strike against SC Villa at Lugogo in the penultimate league match was the pick of the bunch. Though NEC lost 4-1 and saw their 17-match unbeaten run ended, Kukanga’s goal was a moment of quality in a tough evening.

NEC FC’s awards night reflected a season of individual growth and rising expectations. With national team recognition for Ssebwalunyo, Basangwa, and Sseremba, and Ssebwalunyo’s double award highlighting his influence, the foundation is set. As Coach Mukasa put it, the next step is clear: raise the bar and chase glory in 2026/27.