Kaddu, a CAF A-licensed tactician, brings extensive experience to the role, having previously coached Express FC, where he led the Red Eagles to a 9th-place finish in the 2023/24 season.
Kampala, Uganda: Uganda Premier League runners-up NEC FC Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Kaddu Badru Mukasa as the club’s new Head Coach, just hours after officially parting ways with former tactician Hussein Mbalangu.
The Bugolobi-based club announced Wednesday that Mbalangu’s contract had been terminated by mutual consent, bringing to an end a turbulent tenure marked by disciplinary issues and a poor start to the new season.
“We announce today that a decision has been made to mutually terminate our contract with Head Coach Hussein Mbalangu, effective immediately,” NEC FC said in a statement. “Both parties have agreed to part ways without any further obligations, allowing Coach Mbalangu the freedom to join any club of his choice.”
Moments after confirming Mbalangu’s exit, NEC FC announced Kaddu Badru Mukasa as the club’s new Head Coach on a three-year contract.
“We’re delighted to announce that Kaddu Badru Mukasa is joining the club as our head coach on Thursday, November 6, 2025,” NEC said in a Wednesday evening statement. “KB, who will be leaving Express FC, brings a wealth of experience, tactical acumen, and a proven winning mentality to our club.”
Kaddu, a CAF A-licensed tactician, brings extensive experience to the role, having previously coached Express FC, where he led the Red Eagles to a 9th-place finish in the 2023/24 season.
He also served as an assistant coach at KCCA FC under the technical stewardship of Mike Mutebi, Sam Ssimbwa, and, later under Morley Byekwaso.
Earlier in his career, Kaddu famously guided Bugerere FC to Uganda Premier League promotion in 2008, earning praise for his tactical intelligence and player development skills.
NEC described Kaddu’s appointment as “a new chapter in the club’s evolution”, emphasizing its ambition to rebuild and refocus after a shaky start.
“Coach Kaddu’s experience, professionalism, and leadership will be vital as we strive to restore form and consistency. This marks a new chapter for NEC FC,” the club noted.
Mbalangu’s Exit and Controversy
The decision to sack Mbalangu followed his recent suspension over “professional and ethical misconduct” after he was accused of divided loyalty for taking part in the Masaza Cup as one of Ssingo’s technical officials while still under NEC employment.
His departure also comes on the heels of a disappointing CAF Confederation Cup campaign, where NEC was knocked out by Nairobi United of Kenya, and an underwhelming start to the Uganda Premier League, which sees the club languishing in 9th position with just five points.
Mbalangu, 44, joined NEC in July 2023 from Blacks Power FC. In his debut season, he enjoyed an impressive run, guiding NEC to a second-place league finish with 67 points, just two behind champions Vipers SC, and reaching the Uganda Cup final.
However, his fortunes quickly turned this season as internal discipline issues and poor form piled pressure on the club.
Kaddu’s First Test
Kaddu’s first assignment will come this Saturday when NEC hosts BUL FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, a fixture that could set the tone for his tenure.
The coach is expected to revamp NEC’s tactical approach, stabilize the dressing room, and reignite the attacking flair that defined the club’s rise to prominence last season.
Club insiders say Kaddu’s appointment also signals a renewed focus on discipline, youth development, and strategic rebuilding, areas the club believes are critical for long-term success.
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