NEC coach Mbalangu handed suspended ban

NEC FC head coach Hussein Mbalangu has been handed a two-match suspended ban and fined sh1m by the FUFA Disciplinary Panel for breaching Article 13 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code.

This punishment follows remarks he made during a post-match interview after NEC’s 2-1 win against Kitara FC on April 10, 2025.

“The FUFA Disciplinary Panel has handed NEC FC Head Coach, Mr. Hussein Mbalangu, a two-match suspended sanction on the StarTimes Uganda Premier League for breaching Article 13 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code,” FUFA stated in its ruling. “The coach’s fine of  sh1,000,000 is payable with immediate effect,” the federation added. FUFA further warned Mbalangu that the suspension will be enforced if he repeats similar behavior in future.

In that match, Kitara FC took an early lead in the 9th minute through Kabon Living. However, NEC quickly responded when Muzamir Mutyaba equalized just 90 seconds later. NEC’s Enock Ssebagala received a second yellow card in the 52nd minute, reducing his team to 10 men. Despite the pressure, NEC fought back and secured victory in the 87th minute through a header from captain Kavuma Marvin.

Meanwhile, Express FC has also been sanctioned after their fans threw bottles at match officials during a 2-2 draw with table leaders Vipers SC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on April 11, 2025. “Express FC supporters threw bottles at match officials, constituting acts of hooliganism in violation of Article 14(11) of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code,” FUFA said. Express has received a suspended deduction of two points and two goals. This penalty will be enforced if the club’s supporters engage in similar behavior again. They must also pay a one million shilling fine within 14 days from the ruling.

The match saw Express FC take a strong lead through a first-half brace by Emmanuel Wasswa, who scored in the 20th and 26th minutes. Vipers SC fought back in the second half, with Allan Okello scoring and Gusto Mulongo equalizing deep into added time.

These sanctions come as FUFA also investigates violent incidents during the Uganda Cup quarter-final between Kitara FC and BUL FC on April 20, 2025, at Royals Park Stadium in Butema. Though Kitara won the match 1-0, the game ended in chaos. BUL FC defender Walter Ochora pushed referee Henry Musisi to the ground after a red card was shown to his teammate, Nicholas Mwere. BUL head coach Abbey Kikomeko also attempted to confront the referee physically and had to be restrained by security.