NEC FC and SC Villa continued their impressive starts to the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season on Tuesday, with both sides claiming convincing victories to move onto 10 points after four matches.
NEC produced the more dramatic comeback, recovering from an early setback to thrash URA FC 4-1, while SC Villa dispatched Kigezi HomeBoyz 3-0 at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
Credit To Cabella
Basangwa brace powers NEC comeback
The Diehards were stunned inside the opening two minutes when Isma Mugulusi gave URA an early lead.
However, NEC quickly responded and gradually took control of the contest.
James Jarieko restored parity in the 14th minute, finishing after Emmanuel Ajo created the opening as the hosts began to dictate the game.
NEC completed the turnaround just before half-time when Richard Basangwa put them ahead in the 42nd minute after being picked out by Enrique Lubwama.
Enrique Lubwama in action against URA Football Club Midfielder Innocent Kisolo – Credit To Cabella.
Lubwama then got on the scoresheet himself before the break, reacting quickest to a rebound after URA goalkeeper Chrispus Kusiima had denied Ajo.
URA made three changes at the start of the second half, bringing on Marvin Wambuga, Noel Namanya and Eric Okutu for Nelson Ssenkatuka, Moses Aliro and Shalifu Lubega.
The changes, however, failed to alter the momentum.
Four minutes after the restart, NEC capitalised on a midfield mistake when Moses Waiswa lost possession, allowing the hosts to launch a quick counterattack. Basangwa was on hand to finish from close range and complete his brace, making it 4-1.
The victory lifts NEC to second place with 10 points from four matches, level with SC Villa, who also have 10 points.
URA remain on three points from three games and drop to 10th in the early standings.
Villa maintain perfect momentum
At Wankulukuku, SC Villa maintained their strong start with a commanding 3-0 victory over Kigezi HomeBoyz.
The Jogoo took control early, scoring twice inside the opening 18 minutes.
Patrick Kakande opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 15th minute after Kigezi goalkeeper Norman Angufidru misjudged his attempt to claim the ball and collided with Kakande inside the area.
Villa doubled their advantage just three minutes later.
Kigezi’s defence failed to deal with the danger, allowing Aslam Semakula enough space to unleash an excellent finish beyond Angufidru.
Villa had chances to extend their lead before the interval, with John Asiimwe wasting a golden opportunity in the 37th minute when he sent his close-range effort over the crossbar.
Kigezi returned from the break with greater attacking intent, but their pressure lacked the cutting edge needed to seriously trouble Villa’s defence.
Villa remained dangerous on the counter, with substitute Andrew Otim narrowly missing the target in the 67th minute after being played through by Kakande.
Otim eventually got his goal in the 80th minute, rising above a crowded penalty area to head Brian Mato’s pinpoint corner beyond the goalkeeper and complete a comfortable Villa victory.
The result leaves SC Villa third on 10 points from four matches, level with second-placed NEC.
Kigezi HomeBoyz remain 15th with one point from three matches, although they have a game in hand.
Both NEC and SC Villa will now turn their attention to their next league assignments after the international break.
