Ugandans Abroad: Nairobi United’s Kizza makes Team of the Week, Mugabi earns clean sheet with Carlisle United

Ugandan footballers were once again at the heart of the action over the weekend, stamping their authority across leagues on the continent and beyond. From title races in East Africa to tough battles in Europe, the Pearl of Africa ambassadors delivered goals, minutes, moments, and resilient displays that continue to elevate Uganda’s football footprint globally.

The weekend kicked off in the region, where Ugandan involvement was spread across Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, and regional competitions. In Rwanda, APR FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Police FC. Ronald Ssekiganda featured from the start for APR, while Hakim Kiwanuka came off the bench. Denis Omedi was not included in the matchday squad. On the opposing side, Allan Kateregga was introduced from the bench for Police FC.

In Tanzania, Allan Okello turned out for Young Africans SC as the Dar es Salaam giants edged Namungo FC 1-0 to collect vital league points.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Young Africans Sports Club (@yangasc)

Regional bragging rights were settled in emphatic fashion as South Sudanese powerhouse Jamus SC defeated Ethiopian Coffee SC 2-0 to lift the Golden Cup. Uganda Cranes forward Jude Ssemugabi delivered a standout performance, earning the Man of the Match award after a tireless and influential display.

In Kenya, Ugandan players enjoyed a particularly productive round. Bronson Nsubuga Sserumira came on in the 57th minute for Shabana FC and helped see out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tusker FC, whose Ugandan defender Denis Iguma was not in the matchday squad.

Mustafa Kizza stole headlines by scoring his first goal for Nairobi United FC in a dominant 3-0 win against Bidco United, while Charles Waibi and Titus Sematimba began the match on the bench.

First goal in the @nairobiunitedfc colors 🟢🟡

But most importantly a win for the team and a clean sheet 💪

We keep the push … pic.twitter.com/vUK3JNwZUb

— Kizza Mustafa (@kizza_mustafa) February 21, 2026

Kizza and compatriot Shafiq Batambuze were both named in the Kenya SportPesa League Team of the Week following their standout performances. Batambuze was equally influential for Kakamega Homeboyz as they secured a crucial 2–0 win over bottom-placed Sofapaka.

Operating from left back, Batambuze delivered a disciplined and energetic performance, combining defensive solidity with attacking intent as his side controlled the contest.

Here’s your round 21 team of the week#SportPesaLeague pic.twitter.com/0d6UerBYj5

— SportPesa League (@Officialfkfpl) February 23, 2026

Further south, South Africa’s Nedbank Cup delivered mixed fortunes. Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango completed the full 90 minutes for Mamelodi Sundowns, but the champions were stunned 0-2 by TS Galaxy. Elsewhere in the competition, Richards Bay FC fell 0-1 to AmaZulu, with Salim Jamal and Joel Madondo both missing from the matchday squad.

Across Europe, Ugandan representation was equally prominent. In Israel, defender Timothy Awany featured for AC Ashdod, playing 80 minutes in a pulsating contest against Maccabi Tel Aviv that ended in a narrow 2-3 defeat on Saturday. In the Czech Republic, Aziz Kayondo logged 69 minutes for FC Slovan Liberec, though they were edged 0-1 by league heavyweights SK Slavia Prague.

In England’s EFL League One, defender Toby Sibbick was ever-present for Burton Albion, completing the full match as they secured a slim 1-0 win over Rotherham United. Nathan Assimwe, meanwhile, remained an unused substitute as AFC Wimbledon suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat to Cardiff City. In the National League, Bevis Mugabi marshalled the backline for Carlisle United in an emphatic 3-0 victory over Yeovil Town.

North of the border in Scotland, opportunities were more limited. Rogers Mato stayed on the bench for Heart of Midlothian as they edged Falkirk FC 1-0, while Uche Mubiru played 73 minutes for Ross County in a goalless draw with Ayr United. Jordan Obita was not included in the matchday squad as Hibernian FC claimed a surprise 2-1 win over Celtic.

Elsewhere on the African continent, Joseph Ochaya completed the full match for Arab Contractors SC in Egypt as they shared a 1-1 draw with Al Masry SC. In Romania, Elio Capradossi remained an unused substitute while FC Universitatea Cluj defeated FC Botoșani 3-1. Zambia also saw Ugandan involvement, with Keziron Kizito featuring for Kansanshi Dynamos in their 1-1 stalemate against Mutanda FC.

Off the pitch, a new chapter opened in Zimbabwe as the left back Farouk Musisi sealed a move to G&T Mining Football Club, signing a one-and-a-half-year contract that marks the latest step in his professional journey.

Taken together, the weekend’s action painted a clear picture: Ugandan footballers continue to assert their presence far beyond home borders. Whether through match-winning goals, steady defensive shifts, silverware success, or career milestones, Uganda’s exports are steadily reinforcing the nation’s reputation for resilience, quality, and growing influence on the global football stage.