Airtel Kitara FC 0-1 NEC FC Bugolobi – Uganda Premier League

NEC FC Bugolobi claimed a vital 1-0 away victory against Airtel Kitara FC on 9 May 2026 in the Uganda Premier League. A solitary goal in the first half was enough to separate the sides, lifting NEC into the top half of the table while leaving Kitara still looking over their shoulders at the relegation battle.

Match Deciding Moment

The decisive moment arrived in the 27th minute. NEC midfielder Isaac Waiswa picked up the ball 30 yards from goal and drove forward before unleashing a powerful low shot that beat the Kitara goalkeeper at his near post. It was a strike that gave the home side a mountain to climb, and one they never truly looked like overcoming.

Kitara struggled to create clear‑cut chances throughout the match. Their best opportunity came in the 64th minute when forward Joseph Ssemanda headed over from a cross. NEC, meanwhile, could have doubled their lead but for a fine save from Kitara’s custodian in the 81st minute.

Tactical Battle

NEC set up compactly, pressing Kitara’s midfield and forcing errors. The visitors were organised and disciplined, rarely allowing the home side to build sustained pressure. Kitara pushed forward in the final 20 minutes but lacked the creativity to break down a determined NEC defence.

League Implications

The win moves NEC FC Bugolobi to 33 points from 25 games, climbing to 7th place in the Uganda Premier League standings. Airtel Kitara remain on 24 points, only four points above the relegation zone with five matches to play. The result will intensify the pressure on Kitara’s head coach as they face a crucial run of fixtures.

• Man of the Match: Isaac Waiswa (NEC) – scored the winner and worked tirelessly in midfield.
• Clean sheet: NEC’s backline, led by captain Dennis Otim, recorded their third shutout of the season.

NEC will now turn their attention to a home fixture against Express FC, while Kitara travel to rivals URA FC in a must‑win encounter.