URA desperate for points as UPL first round reaches finale

The curtain falls on the first round of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League this Saturday with five decisive fixtures lined up across the country, as clubs at both ends of the table push for momentum heading into the second half of the season.

At Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, struggling URA FC welcome Police FC in a must-win encounter for both sides.

The Tax Collectors are still searching for their first victory under new head coach Hussein Mbalangu after settling for a goalless draw away to Calvary last time out.

 

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Sitting on 12 points, just one above the relegation line, URA will be eager to avoid being dragged deeper into danger when the second round begins.

Police, on the other hand, arrive in Nakivubo wounded after a heavy 4-1 defeat to leaders Vipers in last week’s top-of-the-table clash. Matia Lule’s men are now nine points adrift of the summit and know that any further slip-ups could dent their title ambitions.

NEC FC will entertain Express at MTN Omondi Stadium

Later in the evening, attention shifts to FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, where former champions SC Villa host Lugazi in the late kickoff. The Jogoos come into the contest in ruthless form after demolishing Mbarara City 6-1 and will be targeting maximum points to stay within touching distance of leaders Vipers. Villa are currently on 29 points, seven off the top, and cannot afford to drop points if they are to remain serious title contenders.

Lugazi, fresh from a morale-boosting victory over BUL FC, sit on 14 points three above the relegation zone and will be hoping to pull off another upset despite the tough assignment.

Elsewhere, NEC FC entertain Express FC at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, with Badru Kaddu facing his former employers.

NEC head into the tie as favourites after edging Buhimba United Saints 1-0 in their previous outing. They sit on 19 points, four better than Express, who occupy 10th place and could be without several players amid looming transfer interest.

In Yumbe, bottom-placed Calvary host Kitara at Midigo Primary School Grounds as both sides hunt for crucial points, while at Luzira, Maroons welcome Mbarara City in a clash of teams seeking consistency after a series of draws and mixed results.

Saturday, January 31, 2026 – Fixtures

• Calvary vs Kitara – Midigo P/S Ground, Yumbe (4pm)
• Maroons vs Mbarara City – Prisons Ground, Luzira (4pm)
• NEC vs Express – MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo (4pm)
• URA vs Police – Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo (4pm)
• SC Villa vs Lugazi – FUFA Stadium, Kadiba (8pm)