UPL: Mbarara City boost survival bid; NEC edge BUL in tight Tuesday action

Mbarara City reignited their fight for survival with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Express FC, while NEC FC claimed a narrow but vital 1-0 win against BUL FC in Tuesday’s Uganda Premier League (UPL) encounters.

Innocent Media scores for NEC.#StarTimesUPL | #BULNEC pic.twitter.com/jRpKk8Y93v

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) April 28, 2026

At Rwamwanja Stadium, the Ankole Lions delivered when it mattered most, ending a frustrating winless run to breathe new life into their campaign.

Clinton Kamugisha set the tone early, firing Mbarara City ahead inside the opening ten minutes after being picked out by Ian Amanya.

Express FC responded swiftly, restoring parity just seven minutes later through Kenneth Kimera, who converted from Herbert Asiimwe’s assist to ensure the sides went into the break level.

The decisive moment came shortly after halftime, with Ian Amanya stepping up to restore Mbarara City’s lead ten minutes into the second half. From there, the hosts showed resilience to hold on and secure a crucial three points, their first league win since February.

Full-Time! Mbarara City FC 2-1 Express FC
📊 https://t.co/LlqwarEQ28#MBREXP | #StarTimesUPL pic.twitter.com/ZIMZ4cgGsT

— StarTimes Uganda Premier League (@UPL) April 28, 2026

The victory ends a nine-match winless streak and continues a dominant home trend, marking the third straight season Mbarara City have beaten Express FC on their own turf.

The result lifts them to 20 points in 14th place, opening a five-point cushion above the relegation zone with four matches left to play.

Express FC, meanwhile, remain 10th on the table with 30 points after 26 outings.

Elsewhere in Njeru, NEC FC made their moment count against BUL FC, with Innocent Media’s first-half strike proving the difference in a tightly contested affair.

The win strengthens NEC’s position as the season edges toward its climax.