“We Can’t Underrate UPDF,” Warns Express Boss Byekwaso Ahead of Nakivubo Clash

Express FC head coach Morley Byekwaso has issued a stern warning to his squad, demanding absolute focus and zero complacency ahead of their Thursday afternoon showdown against UPDF FC at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

The Red Eagles head into the fixture having navigated a brutal opening stretch of the season, which saw them square off against heavyweights c including BUL, KCCA, SC Villa, Kitara, and NEC. While facing the army side might look like a breather on paper, Byekwaso is refusing to buy into the narrative of an “easy fixture.”

The math supports the manager’s caution. Both Express and UPDF sit neck-and-neck on five points, but the army side holds a distinct advantage with a game in hand and a superior position in the standings.

“The fact that we play in the same division means we can’t take them for granted,” Byekwaso told the press. “They are a good side who have the same points as us and are even above us in positioning. That is a clear sign to show they will be no pushovers.”

Squad Boost for the Red Eagles

The former SC Villa and KCCA tactician is expected to shuffle his pack to spark more clinical attacking play. Experienced left-back Shafik Batambuze is tipped to return to the squad after missing out on the hard-fought goalless draw away to NEC.

Additionally, midfielder Nicholas Jjonga is expected to be recalled to the starting eleven after being relegated to the bench in their last outing.

Express will start as slight favorites as they hunt for their first maximum points since their stunning 2-0 victory over rivals KCCA on matchday two. However, UPDF will prove a stubborn nut to crack, despite also registering just a single win from their opening four matches.

Thursday Super Double-Header at Nakivubo

The Express-UPDF clash is just the curtain-raiser for a massive day of Ugandan football, with Hamz Stadium hosting a highly anticipated double-header.

Later in the evening, URA FC will play host to Entebbe UPPC under the floodlights at 7:00 PM.

Meanwhile, defending champions Vipers SC face a tricky away trip as they travel to Bukedea to battle Kataka FC at the BCS Sports Complex.

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Thursday, October 15, 2026 Fixtures

• Express FC vs UPDF FC – Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo (4:00 PM)
• Kataka FC vs Vipers SC – BCS Sports Complex, Bukedea (4:00 PM)
• URA FC vs Entebbe UPPC – Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo (7:00 PM)

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