KCCA FC made the worst possible start to the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League campaign with a 2-0 home defeat to NEC in the Lugogo derby at StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo.
Richard Basangwa and Pius Obuya got the goals in either half to sink Brian Ssenyondo's men, tipped by many as title favourites this season.
Basangwa tapped home from close range off James Jarieko's low cross before second-half substitute Obuya put the icing on the cake in the last stages with goalkeeper Mutwalibu Mugolofa caught out of position.
SC Villa were denied a winning start at Mutesa II Stadium, Wankululukuku, when Crispus Asiki netted a late equaliser for Kitara FC to draw 1-1.
Andrew Okumu had given the record champions the lead inside five minutes off a well-calculated Arnold Odong headed lay-off.
Where does each side go next?
KCCA will look to make amends next week at Nakivubo against rivals Express FC, while NEC will host Lugazi at Lugogo. Villa face URA next, and Kitara turn focus to the Caf Confederation Cup preliminary round first leg against Mogadishu City at Hoima on Sunday September 6.
At Police Arena in Kamwokya, Ivan Mayanja scored an early contender for goal of the season as hosts Police FC edged Mbarara City 1-0.
Elsewhere, Livingstone Mulondo marked his Lugazi debut by netting the winner as visitors Kigezi Home Boyz lost 2-1. Cromwell Rwothomio, another debutant, had put the hosts ahead before Mike Walaga restored parity, with all three goals coming in the second half.
Blacks Power made a winning start with a 1-0 victory over fellow newcomers Ntugasaze, while UPDF and Kataka registered a goalless draw at Nakivubo.
The match round concludes on Sunday with BUL hosting Express and Maroons at home against URA.
Source: Uganda Premier League
