The StarTimes Uganda Premier League enters another intriguing round-two fixture on Thursday, with the spotlight firmly fixed on Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, where Kampala rivals Express and KCCA will battle for their first points of the new campaign.
Both sides approach the derby under pressure after suffering defeats in their opening matches over the weekend. Express were narrowly beaten 1-0 by BUL, while KCCA suffered a 2-0 defeat against fellow Lugogo side NEC, leaving the two traditional giants eager to quickly put their disappointing starts behind them.
A Derby with Added Importance
The early-season setbacks have given Thursday’s encounter even greater significance, with neither side wanting to go through another matchday without registering a point. Beyond the three points at stake, the Kampala derby offers both teams an opportunity to restore confidence and provide an early indication of their ability to respond to adversity.
Express will take encouragement from their performance against BUL despite the narrow defeat, while KCCA will be looking to correct the shortcomings that contributed to their loss against NEC. With the rivalry adding its own intensity to the occasion, both teams are expected to approach the contest with considerable urgency.
Byekwaso Trusts Express’ Game Plan
Express head coach Morley Byekwaso believes his team has the ability to disrupt KCCA’s possession-based approach and turn their improved performance against BUL into a positive result.
The Red Eagles tactician acknowledged KCCA’s quality, particularly their ability to move the ball through short passing combinations, but revealed that Express have prepared a strategy aimed at limiting that strength. Byekwaso insists his players performed well despite losing to BUL and believes they can build on that display against their city rivals.
“They (KCCA) are one of the best sides when it comes to short passes but we have a plan to stop that. Against BUL, we had a good performance despite the defeat and we go again targeting maximum points against KCCA.”
Ssenyondo Demands a Response
KCCA head coach Brian Ssenyondo, meanwhile, has made it clear that his side’s objective is straightforward: return from Nakivubo with maximum points.
Having started the season with a defeat to NEC, Ssenyondo recognises the importance of an immediate response. The KCCA coach believes the disappointment of the opening match should serve as motivation rather than become a setback that affects the team’s progress during the early stages of the campaign.
“We don’t have any other option but go there and win because we lost the first game. We know what we need and shall do our best. We were disappointed last time and we want to use setbacks as a springboard to succeed this season. The setback we got last week has only informed us of what we need to do to move forward.”
Express Face Injury Concern
Express could head into the derby without Moses Sseruyide, who is the only reported injury concern from the Red Eagles camp. The player missed the team’s last training session, leaving his availability for the crucial encounter uncertain.
His potential absence could force Byekwaso to make an adjustment to his plans as Express seek the attacking and defensive balance required to compete against a KCCA side expected to dominate possession for long periods.
KCCA Monitor Three Players
KCCA also have fitness concerns ahead of the derby, with Emmanuel Anyama, youngster Yian Gatbel and Gabonese player Axel Mezui all facing doubts over their availability.
The final decisions on the trio are expected to depend on their fitness levels ahead of kick-off. Ssenyondo will be hoping to have as many options as possible available as KCCA look to recover from their opening-day disappointment.
Kataka Begin Home Campaign Against BUL
Elsewhere, Kataka will experience their first home fixture in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League when they welcome BUL to Bukedea Comprehensive Complex.
The encounter gives Kataka an opportunity to enjoy home support as they continue adjusting to life in the top flight. BUL, meanwhile, will arrive with confidence after beginning the campaign with victory over Express and will be aiming to maintain that positive momentum on the road.
With points already at stake at both ends of the country, Thursday’s fixtures promise another important chapter in the early stages of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
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