Kampala, Uganda: Uganda Premier League clubs NEC FC and Kitara FC have begun restructuring their squads ahead of the 2026/27 season, parting ways with a combined 13 players as preparations intensify for the new campaign.
The departures come as both clubs seek to strengthen their squads following contrasting fortunes during the 2025/26 season.
NEC FC, who finished fifth in the Uganda Premier League with 53 points from 30 matches, confirmed the departure of five players.
Experienced midfielder Muzamir Mutyaba and defender Patrick Bayiga have left the club following the expiry of their contracts.
Mutyaba leaves after spending two seasons at NEC, having joined the club as a free agent from Mbale Heroes. The former KCCA FC midfielder struggled for regular game time last season, making just six league appearances, down from 20 during the 2024/25 campaign.
Bayiga also departs after two seasons with the club. The defender joined NEC from Maroons FC in 2024 and featured in 15 league matches last season.
The club has also terminated the contracts of Siraje Sentamu, Timothy Muwanguzi and Jackson Ssembatya.
Meanwhile, Sentamu, who arrived from Vipers SC before the 2025/26 campaign, managed only five league appearances during his stint. He has since completed a move to Kitara FC.
Kitara Releases Eight Players
Stanbic Uganda Cup champions Kitara FC have also embarked on a major squad overhaul after announcing the release of eight players.
The most notable departure is midfielder Yunus Sibira, who has joined KCCA FC after an impressive season with the Royals.
Sibira featured 34 times in all competitions during the 2025/26 season, making 29 Uganda Premier League appearances and five Uganda Cup outings. He scored two goals and registered one assist as Kitara lifted the Uganda Cup.
The Hoima-based side has also mutually agreed to part ways with striker Shaban Muhammad after a six-month stint at the club. Goalkeepers James Alitho and Aziz Saleh have also left the club.
The remaining departures include Frank Kasumba, Eric Tumwine, Sadiq Ssekyembe and Amir Kakomo.
The player movements signal the start of what is expected to be a busy transfer window, with Uganda Premier League clubs strengthening their squads ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
While NEC will be targeting a return to the league’s top four after narrowly missing out last season, Kitara will be looking to build on the momentum of their Uganda Cup triumph and compete strongly both domestically and in continental football.
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