Lugazi and Express drew 0–0 at Najjembe as Mathias Kigonya starred. Byekwaso demanded sharper attacking after another frustrating UPL outing.
Lugazi and Express shared the points in a goalless Uganda Premier League draw at Najjembe on Wednesday, leaving both clubs searching for greater attacking efficiency.
Mathias Kigonya earned the man-of-the-match award after helping Express withstand Lugazi’s pressure. At the other end, the Red Eagles could not find the finish needed to turn an away point into victory.
Express coach Morley Byekwaso praised his players’ effort but called for an improved attack, making the next challenge clear for a side still struggling to collect wins.
Match Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | Uganda Premier League, Matchday Seven |
| Date | Wednesday, 21 October 2026 |
| Venue | Lugazi FC Stadium, Najjembe |
| Full-time | Lugazi 0–0 Express |
| Half-time | Lugazi 0–0 Express |
| Man of the Match | Mathias Kigonya, Express |
| Lugazi’s points | 8 |
| Express’s points | 6 |
Lugazi Create Pressure Without Reward
Express threatened early through Abasi Muluya, but Lugazi increasingly tested the visitors as the first half developed.
The hosts reached promising positions but couldn’t find the finish needed to break the deadlock. Express remained capable of threatening on the counterattack, ensuring Lugazi could not commit forward without considering the spaces behind them.
Rwothomio Hits the Woodwork
Lugazi’s clearest opportunity came in the 57th minute when Cromwell Rwothomio headed against the crossbar.
The forward also threatened around the rebound, but the breakthrough remained elusive.
Kawowo’s match report describes further Lugazi pressure, including an effort from Louis Anguti that required an important Kigonya save.
Express also threatened through Duncan Sseninde, with Allan Batali responding at the other end.
Lugazi later had a goal ruled out for offside. The final whistle therefore confirmed a result shaped by missed opportunities, goalkeeping and the inability to turn pressure into a decisive finish.
Kigonya Gives Express Something to Protect
The official league record identifies Kigonya as Express’s goalkeeper and the match’s outstanding player.
His contribution supplied a foundation for the visitors, whose defensive effort ensured they left Najjembe with a point.
For any team seeking momentum, that protection matters. However, relying on the goalkeeper to preserve parity places limits on how often a side can expect to win.
Express need their attacking players to convert defensive resistance into a more productive outcome. Kigonya’s award recognises his performance while also highlighting work still required further forward.
Byekwaso Identifies the Attacking Problem
Speaking after the match, Byekwaso said Express must improve their decision-making and finishing in the final third.
“We need to do more to see that we improve in the attacking department,” he told Kawowo.
The coach described his squad as a team still learning, while maintaining that their effort deserved encouragement.
That assessment balances patience with responsibility. Developing players need time, but league points depend on what they produce during matches.
Express’s immediate challenge is translating promising situations into shots that genuinely trouble goalkeepers, then turning those chances into goals.
Rotation and Fatigue Shape Selection
Byekwaso also explained that fatigue influenced his starting team.
He said the league’s intensity, physical contests and repeated demands made fresh legs necessary. His comments framed rotation as an attempt to maintain performance.
The official timeline records Express introducing Alpha Thierry Ssali, Isaac Wagoina and Isa Glory Kisuule in the 64th minute. Moses Sseruyidde followed later.
Byekwaso also discussed training players in different positions to prepare for changing match situations.
The practical requirement is ensuring those adjustments preserve understanding between teammates. Fresh players can raise intensity, but movement, passing options and defensive responsibilities must remain clear.
Season Statistics After the Draw
| Statistic | Lugazi | Express |
| League position | 11th | 13th |
| Matches played | 7 | 7 |
| Wins | 2 | 1 |
| Draws | 2 | 3 |
| Defeats | 3 | 3 |
| Goals scored | 4 | 4 |
| Goals conceded | 9 | 6 |
| Points | 8 | 6 |
The official league table shows both clubs averaging fewer than one goal per match.
Defensive improvements can help, but that scoring rate explains why consistent victories remain difficult.
Lugazi’s Clean Sheets Need Attacking Support
The result followed Lugazi’s goalless draw against BUL.
Our Lugazi 0–0 BUL report explains the defensive resilience behind that earlier point. Consecutive clean sheets offer encouragement, particularly after previous defeats.
However, two scoreless draws also underline the next task for Abbey Kikomeko’s side: making attacking pressure count.
Lugazi need better execution around the penalty area while preserving the organisation that has helped them stop conceding. Improving one department should strengthen the other rather than create new vulnerabilities.
What Comes Next?
The official fixtures list Express at home to Kataka on Tuesday, 27 October, with kickoff at 7:00 p.m. EAT.
Lugazi visit KCCA the following evening at 8:00 p.m. EAT.
Our earlier Express vs UPDF preview provides background to the Red Eagles’ search for consistency. Their next assignment offers another opportunity to turn Byekwaso’s attacking demands into measurable progress.
What It Means for Ugandan Supporters
For Lugazi supporters around Najjembe and Buikwe, this was a home opportunity that yielded only one point.
For Express followers in Kampala and beyond, Kigonya’s display offered reassurance, but the absence of goals leaves familiar questions.
The league listed the fixture on FUFA TV and Sanyuka Prime, extending access beyond the ground.
Follow our Uganda Premier League coverage for subsequent results and fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score?
Lugazi and Express drew 0–0.
Who was man of the match?
Express goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya received the award.
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Verdict
Lugazi earned another clean sheet, while Express benefited from Kigonya’s goalkeeping. Both left with a point and an obvious attacking priority. Byekwaso’s message now requires a response on the pitch: greater precision when the next opportunity arrives.
