NEC FC confirm positive update on Basangwa after neck injury scare

NEC FC forward Richard Basangwa is on the mend after a frightening late incident during his side’s Uganda Premier League clash with Express FC at Nakivubo Stadium on Tuesday evening.

. @Nec_Fc have confirmed that forward Richard Basangwa is in stable condition, following a serious injury sustained last night, in their match against Express FC. #NBSportThePavilion #NBSportUpdates 📸 NEC pic.twitter.com/nrlyoYtn9C

— NBS Sport (@NBSportUg) April 22, 2026

The striker sustained a serious throat injury in the dying moments of the goalless encounter following a dangerous challenge from Express defender Glory Kisule, who was adjudged to have struck him with an elbow to the neck.

In an official update released on Wednesday, NEC FC confirmed that Basangwa is now in stable condition after receiving immediate medical attention at Case Clinic. A CT scan conducted shortly after his admission returned negative results, ruling out any internal damage.

The club further revealed that his condition has improved significantly, with the forward now able to breathe more comfortably and speak, albeit in a low but clear voice.

He was kept under observation overnight and scheduled for assessment by an ENT specialist, with discharge expected if no further complications are detected.

The incident occurred deep into stoppage time and left players and fans visibly shaken.

Basangwa showed clear signs of distress after collapsing to the ground, struggling to breathe and communicate.

Referee Joshua Duula halted play instantly, awarding a foul and issuing a red card to Kisule for the reckless challenge.

Medical teams rushed onto the pitch to attend to the forward, who remained down for several minutes and reportedly lost consciousness at one point.

Concerns were heightened by logistical challenges at the stadium, as the available ambulance was reportedly non-functional, lacking essential medical equipment and suffering a flat tire.

This forced a swift improvisation, with a Toyota Land Cruiser used to transport Basangwa to hospital for urgent care.

A Land Cruiser had to be used to rush an unconscious Richard Basangwa away after the ambulance was found non-functional due to a flat tire.

To the concerned, how safe are the players? #UPLwithKawalya pic.twitter.com/1S63n95GQI

— Brian Kawalya 🇺🇬 (@BrianKawalya1) April 21, 2026

Despite the alarming nature of the incident, the latest reports provide reassurance, with the player now steadily recovering under medical supervision.