Uganda Premier League: Namanya proud to deliver URA FC’s first league goal under Mbalangu

URA FC midfielder Norman Namanya has expressed his satisfaction after scoring his first goal of the season in the Tax Collectors’ 1–1 Uganda Premier League draw away to Kitara FC on Thursday at Royal Park–Butema in Hoima.

Namanya’s calm 66th-minute equaliser salvaged a crucial away point for URA FC in a tightly fought encounter and, perhaps more importantly, ended the club’s eight-match wait for a league goal under new head coach Hussein Mbalangu.

Norman Namanya struck in the 66th minute to level matters for URA.#StarTimesUPL | #KITURA pic.twitter.com/tOMYrml1v8

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) February 19, 2026

Speaking to URA FC media, the midfielder admitted the goal came as a huge relief for both himself and the team.

“It feels really good to score again and help the team,” Namanya said. “We’ve been putting in the work during training, and we always believed the goal would come. I’m thankful to my teammates and the technical team for the continued trust.”

The Tooro-born midfielder underlined that the strike carried significance beyond personal achievement, stressing its importance in restoring belief within the squad.

“This goal is special because it earned us a point and also ended a tough run. Getting our first league goal under the new coach gives us confidence, and it’s something we want to build on going forward.”

Now in his third season with the Tax Collectors, Namanya has established himself as a reliable performer, registering eight goals and eight assists across all competitions since joining the club.
He also noted that the players are gradually adapting to the tactical demands introduced by Mbalangu and his technical staff.

“With every game, we’re understanding the coach’s philosophy more. The performances are improving, and if we remain focused and united, the results will come,” he added.

URA FC’s focus now turns to knockout action as they prepare to host Blacks Power FC in the Round of 32 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup on Wednesday, 25th, at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo.

“The Uganda Cup is a big opportunity for us,” Namanya noted. “Blacks Power are a strong side, but at home we want to show character and fight for progression. Personally, I want to carry this momentum into the cup and help the team however I can.”

Despite sitting 13th on the league table with 15 points from 17 matches, the midfielder remains confident that URA FC will finish the season strongly.

“The table doesn’t reflect the quality in this squad. We know what URA FC represents, and it’s our responsibility to keep improving, keep believing, and push back to where the club belongs.”

With confidence slowly returning and key players beginning to step up, URA FC will hope Namanya’s timely strike proves to be the catalyst for a sustained revival in both league and cup competitions.