Express FC Partner with Wakiso Hill as Red Eagles Race to Meet Club Licensing Requirements

Express FC have stepped up their preparations to secure a licence ahead of the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season, with the club entering into a partnership with Wakiso Hill Women Football Club as part of efforts to fulfil the mandatory Club Licensing requirements.

According to 102.1 FUFA FM, the historic club has agreed a partnership with Wakiso Hill to serve as its official women’s team, addressing one of the key requirements that contributed to Express FC being denied a licence for the upcoming season. The finer details of the partnership are yet to be revealed, with both clubs expected to provide an official communication in the coming days.

Wakiso Hill Women Football Club, currently competing in the Finance Bank Women Elite League, brings experience at the competitive level and previously served as the official women’s side of Vipers SC between 2023 and 2025. The partnership is expected to provide Express FC with a pathway to establish a structured women’s football programme while strengthening compliance with the federation’s licensing regulations.

The move comes after the Club Licensing Committee withheld a licence from Express FC due to several outstanding requirements that needed to be addressed before the new Uganda Premier League campaign. Among the seven reasons cited was the absence of a recognised women’s team, a key component of the licensing framework.

Besides lacking a women’s team, Express FC were also found not to be operating a G2 Academy, while the club did not have a qualified youth coach in place. The licensing body further highlighted concerns regarding the absence of proof of remuneration payments for players and staff, alongside other administrative and operational gaps.

The Red Eagles were also required to address issues related to their digital and infrastructure structures, including possession of an official club domain email address, verified social media accounts and an approved training ground. These requirements form part of the broader standards aimed at improving professionalism and sustainability among clubs in Uganda’s top flight.

With newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Becky Cynthia Nakimera leading the club’s administrative efforts, Express FC are working against time to complete the outstanding requirements and submit an appeal before the deadline of Monday, July 27.

Express FC are among five clubs that were not granted licences by the Club Licensing Committee for the upcoming season, alongside Lugazi FC, UPDF FC, Kataka FC and Blacks Power FC. The affected clubs have been given an opportunity to address the identified gaps through the appeal process.

Meanwhile, several clubs successfully secured their licences. Kitara FC, Entebbe UPPC, Maroons FC, BUL FC and Mbarara City were awarded Category Two Licences after meeting all mandatory requirements, although they still have areas to improve under the best-practice criteria.

A number of clubs achieved the highest licensing status, receiving Category One Licences after satisfying all mandatory, obligatory and best-practice requirements. The list includes KCCA FC, Vipers SC, NEC FC, SC Villa, URA FC, Police FC, Kigezi HomeBoyz and Ntugasaze FC.

As the deadline approaches, Express FC remain focused on closing the licensing gaps and ensuring they are cleared to compete in the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season. The partnership with Wakiso Hill Women Club represents one of the key steps in their broader plan to meet the federation’s standards and maintain their place among Uganda’s top-flight football clubs.