UPL Transfer Window Wrap: Contenders keep it light as NEC, URA and Express shake the market

The curtain came down on the Uganda Premier League’s mid-season transfer window on Saturday, February 28, and while many anticipated a frenzy from the traditional heavyweights, the giants largely chose restraint over revolution.

Originally pushed from January to February by FUFA, the window still delivered its fair share of movement. However, for clubs chasing silverware on both fronts the league and the Uganda Cup the expected squad overhauls never quite materialised.

Cautious moves from the Big Three

League leaders Vipers SC made just one addition, bringing in DR Congo forward Glodi Beyuku Munsi from AS Vita Club.

✍️ We are delighted to announce the signing of 𝙂𝙡𝙤𝙙𝙞 𝘽𝙚𝙮𝙪𝙠𝙪 𝙈𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙞 from AS Vita Club, Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC].

Welcome to Vipers SC, 𝘽𝙚𝙮𝙪𝙠𝙪! 🇨🇩

Full Story ↪️ https://t.co/KOHjgGE2fM#VenomsUpdates || #OneTeamOneDream || pic.twitter.com/5bkB7QSo1v

— 𝐕𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 (@VipersSC) February 19, 2026

Their outgoing list was longer. Midfielder Moses Waiswa, Angolan attacker Pedro Sukuya, and striker Kenneth Kimera (who reportedly joined Express FC on loan) all exited as the Venoms streamlined their squad.

Record champions SC Villa were equally conservative.

The Jogoos secured only centre-back Farouk Matovu, a familiar face who has previously featured for rivals KCCA FC and Express.

Welcome, Farouk Matovu ✍️

We’re delighted to have Farouk with us for the next two years! 🔵

Welcome to the family 💙#TheJogoos 🔵 pic.twitter.com/IQZ1sU0pC2

— SC Villa (@SCVillaJogoo) February 24, 2026

At KCCA, business was a blend of internal resolution and external reinforcement. Bright Anukani was cleared to feature in the second round after resolving earlier discomfort with the club. New faces include Gabonese attacker Axel Mezui from Canon 105 and promising forward Kennedy Muserero from Edgar’s.

NEC, URA and Express lead the activity

If the giants were measured, others were anything but.

NEC FC emerged as one of the busiest sides. Following the retirement of Benjamin Ochan and departures of Charles Waibi, Titus Ssematimba and Mustapha Kizza to Kenya’s Nairobi United, NEC turned to familiar territory — recruiting players with prior ties to head coach Badru Kaddu.

Rashid Kawawa, Muhammad Ssenoga, Richard Basangwa, Ramsey Kawooya and Hakim Wandera arrived from Express, alongside Tony Atukunda (Villa), striker Samuel Ssekamatte (UPDF), goalkeeper Juma Mutebi (Lugazi) and ex-Maroons winger Pius Obuya who returned to the UPL after nearly close to five years.

The ripple effect hit Express hard, prompting coach Jimmy Kintu to rebuild. The Red Eagles responded with the signings of former Wakiso Giants midfielders Marvin Nyanzi and Blanchar Mulamba, left-back Shafik Lugolobi from URA, experienced midfielder Gift Ali from Coastal Union in Tanzania, and striker Kenneth Kimera on loan from Vipers.

URA ring the changes

An underwhelming first half of the season forced URA FC into bold action. The Tax Collectors parted ways with eight players, including Amis Bwangani, Kabon Living, Abraham Tusubira, Laban Tibita, Nicholas Kabonge, Faisal Matovu, Nelson Ssenkatuka and Shafik Lugolobi.
In response, URA recruited experience and firepower Moses Waiswa, Derrick Kakooza, Rahmat Ssenfuka and Disan Galiwango all arriving to rejuvenate the squad for the decisive run-in.

Kitara signal intent for Uganda Premier League charge

Second-placed Kitara FC, sitting just two points behind Vipers, may well be the window’s biggest winners. The Royals strengthened their attack with the additions of Kabon Living, Muhammad Shaban and Edson Agondze, a clear statement of intent from the former Uganda Cup champions.

⚡🔥 GOAL MACHINE UNLEASHED

Sharp striker Muhammad Shaban, is now a Royal for the next two years .
Known for his deadly finishing and tireless work rate, the former Ounduparaka ,KCCA FC and Sc Vipers forward is ready to light up the Kingdom with goals! 💛❤️⚽ pic.twitter.com/7Q3Gh3nP55

— Kitara Football Club (The Royals) (@KitarafcHoima) February 21, 2026

Entebbe UPPC eye loans

Entebbe UPPC are reportedly exploring loan deals for URA trio Laban Tibita, Nicholas Kabonge and Abraham Tusubira to bolster their options alongside Samuel Nsubuga and Ambrose Kigozi.

Elsewhere, Police FC and BUL FC maintained stability despite lofty ambitions. Police, however, lost creative midfielder Denis Kalanzi to a scholarship opportunity in the United States and beefed up the right full back position with the addition of Sula Mpanga.

Newly promoted Buhimba United Saints added experience in their fight against relegation, signing midfielder Musa Ssali, former Hippos defender Simon Baligeya and ex- Tooro United winger Davis Ssali.

Meanwhile, Lugazi FC also dipped into the market, recruiting Amuli Mukasa from non-league side Football Classroom, alongside Hamza Mulambuzi and Umar Kyebataala.

With the window now shut, attention turns fully to the title race and survival battles. While the giants opted for minimal disruption, it is the ambitious and restless sides who may yet redefine the second half of the season.