NEC DISMISS HUSSEIN MBALUNGU AHEAD OF SUSPENSION EXPIRY
Uganda Premier League side NEC FC have mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Hussein Mbalangu. The sacking comes just weeks after the club suspended him over alleged "divided loyalty" with the Masaza Cup.
Hussein Mbalungu Dismissed by NEC - COURTESY/PHOTO
In addition to leading NEC to second place last season, Mbalangu, who joined the team in their inaugural season in the Premier League, also led the team to the Uganda Cup final.
NEC have terminated the contract of head coach Hussein Mbalangu, less than a fortnight after suspending him.
Because Mbalangu participated in the Masaza Cup with Ssingo, the club suspended him on the grounds of split loyalties.
A club statement issued on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, stated, "We announce today that a decision has been made to mutually terminate our contract with Head Coach Hussein Mbalangu, effective immediately."
The club has unconditionally removed Coach Mbalangu from all responsibilities related to his position as head coach in a joint agreement.
“Both parties have confirmed that no future duties or commitments would exist between them, providing Coach Mbalangu the option to join any club of his choice.”
In addition to leading NEC to second place last season, Mbalangu, who joined the team in its inaugural Premier League season, also led the team to the Uganda Cup final.
James Odoch is still the team's temporary head coach, although the organisation has stated that a permanent appointment will be announced shortly.
“We express OUR thanks to Coach Mbalangu for his important services to the club and wish him the utmost best in his future undertakings.
“We will soon announce a permanent appointment.”
NEC defeated Mbarara City 1-0 at Kamwenge last week to win their first game of the season. With five points, they are currently ranked ninth out of 16 teams.
On Saturday, they will play BUL at home at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo in their first official match without Mbalangu.
NAM BLAZERS CROWNED NEW KINGS AFTER STUNNING CITY OILERS IN FINALS
The Namuwongo Blazers are the new National Basketball League champions! They ended the City Oilers' decade-long dynasty with a 68-55 victory, clinching the series 4-2 after a stunning comeback from two games down.
Nam Blazers Seal Glorious Victory - COURTESY/PHOTO
Finally defeating the City Oilers, the Namuwongo Blazers have won their first National Basketball League championship.
In Wednesday's NBL matchup at Lugogo Indoor Arena, Nam Blazers defeated City Oilers 68-55, a well-earned triumph.
The Blazers ended the reign in style, rallying from a two-game deficit to win the best-of-seven series 4-2. The City Oilers had won 10 consecutive NBL titles going into the season.
Early in, the Nam Blazers led 6-0, but the City Oilers answered with a jumper from Mer Maker and one from Joseph Chuma from downtown.
The City Oilers lost by one point (16–15) at the end of the first quarter when Chad Bowie made a follow-up putback.
The City Oilers had a fantastic 9-0 start to the second quarter thanks to consecutive 3-point jumpers from Fayed Baale.
After Joel Banza launched the Blazers' shooting spree, Anthony Chukwubuka made a fantastic driving layup to level the score at 29-29.
As both teams walked to their locker rooms, Jimmy Enabu's layup ended the thrilling and interesting first half, tying the score at 35 apiece.
Enabu, fresh from the locker rooms, opened the scoring with a deep 3-point jumper, and James Okello followed with a layup to make it 5-0.
With a jump jumper to end the quarter, Arthur Wanyoto gave the Blazers an eight-point (53-45) lead going into the final quarter.
Despite the altercation, the Blazers prevailed by 13 points.
The Blazers were led by Peter Obleng (11 points), Jimmy Enabu (12 points), and James Okello (16 points).
CANADA STUNS UGANDA CUBS WITH LAST-MINUTE VICTORY AT U17 WORLD CUP
Uganda's U17 Cubs suffer a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Canada in their historic FIFA World Cup debut. A late collapse saw Canada score twice in the final minutes to snatch victory, dashing a fairytale start for the East Africans.
Canadian men rally against Uganda to earn 1st-ever FIFA U17 World Cup victory - COURTESY/PHOTO
On Wednesday night, Uganda's historic FIFA U17 World Cup debut came to a heartbreaking conclusion as the young Cubs gave up an early lead to lose to Canada 2–1 in Qatar.
James Bogere, a quick scorer, gave the East Africans the lead halfway through the first half, setting them up for a historic outcome.
The Ugandan bench went into raptures as the striker seized a precise defence-splitting pass from Brian Jjara, brushed off his man, and coolly tapped past the Canadian goalkeeper.
The Cubs held the North Americans at bay and posed a danger on the counter for most of the game thanks to their brave and disciplined defence.
But in the final moments, their fantasy began to tragically fall apart. Elijah Rocho took advantage of a rare moment of distraction at the back to leap to even the score for Canada with two minutes of regular time left.
Disaster struck in additional time as Uganda reorganised to find a response. After a tussle in the box, Canada was given a penalty, and Marius Aiyenero maintained composure to convert, capping a stunning comeback and ending Uganda's dreams of a dream start on the international scene.
The Cubs were the first Ugandan national team to compete in a FIFA World Cup tournament, and their passionate effort garnered praise despite the loss.
In Group K, which also includes South American challenger Chile and European powerhouse France, the outcome puts Uganda and Canada on three points. To maintain their hopes of making the playoffs, the Cubs will now need to respond strongly in their upcoming game.