NEC FC and UPPC made it two wins from two in the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League campaign, with contrasting victories on Tuesday night.
NEC climbed to the early summit after overturning a goalless first half to dispatch Lugazi FC 3-1 at the Phillip Omondi Stadium, while UPPC recovered from a goal down to defeat 10-man UPDF 2-1 at Nakivubo Stadium.
At Lugogo, NEC’s patience finally paid off seven minutes after the restart when Richard Basangwa reacted quickest to a rebound following James Jarieko’s attacking run to put the hosts ahead in the 52nd minute.
The goal continued Basangwa’s impressive start to the season, marking his second in as many matches after he also scored in NEC’s opening 2-0 victory over KCCA FC.
Lugazi’s hopes of a response were dealt another blow four minutes later when goalkeeper Tony Kyamera’s error presented Innocent Media with a simple finish into an unguarded net.
Media was not finished. The forward sealed his brace in the 80th minute, latching onto Emmanuel Kulanga’s through ball before beating Kyamera at his near post to give NEC a commanding 3-0 lead.
Lugazi managed a late consolation through Richard Ayiko, who rose at the near post to head Frank Mulimi’s corner beyond the NEC defence.
The visitors’ late effort, however, proved little more than a consolation as NEC secured maximum points and continued their perfect start.
At Nakivubo, UPPC showed similar resilience, overturning Derrick Tarewa’s 25th-minute opener for UPDF to claim another three points.
Thomas Ochungo restored parity four minutes before the break, setting the stage for a tense second half.
Abdallah Mubiru’s side completed the turnaround in the 71st minute when substitute Ambrose Kigozi converted from the penalty spot after being brought down inside the area.
UPDF’s frustration boiled over late on, with Swaibu Kasujja receiving his marching orders for another foul on Kigozi as the army side finished the contest with 10 men.
The results leave both NEC and UPPC with six points from their opening two fixtures, underlining their early credentials in a season that is already beginning to take shape.
