Express FC patron Kiryowa Kiwanuka has welcomed renewed fan support following administrative, commercial, and technical changes at the club.
Express FC patron Kiryowa Kiwanuka has welcomed the renewed enthusiasm surrounding the Red Eagles after supporters returned in encouraging numbers during the opening weeks of the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season.
Kiwanuka praised the supporters following Express’ 1-1 draw with Kitara FC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. He believes the increased attendance reflects growing confidence in the administrative, commercial and technical changes implemented at the club.
Frank “Zagga” Tumwesigye gave Kitara the lead after 23 minutes, but Nicholas Jjonga equalised for Express during first-half stoppage time. Neither side found a winning goal after the break.
Although the result left Express with four points from four league matches, Kiwanuka was encouraged by the atmosphere generated by the club’s supporters.
“I’m really impressed with the progress of the club and how fans have returned in big numbers,” Kiwanuka told Kawowo Sports.
He added that the support was encouraging for the players and expressed confidence that performances and results would improve with time.
Express Supporters Return After Difficult Period
The visible enthusiasm at Nakivubo represented a notable change from the previous campaign, when sections of the Express support stayed away from matches.
According to the report, the boycott lasted from November 2025 until February 2026. Supporters raised concerns about the club’s leadership, player welfare and allegations surrounding match integrity.
The situation coincided with instability on and off the field. Coach Badru Kaddu departed for NEC FC, while players including Richard Basangwa, Hakim Wandera and Muhammad Ssenoga Kagawa also left the club.
Express additionally operated without a permanent chief executive after Ashiraf Miiro was suspended by FUFA over match-fixing allegations. Wilfred Mudanya, who had served as the club’s media officer, assumed an interim management role until the end of the season.
The departures, administrative uncertainty and strained relationship with supporters left one of Uganda’s most historic clubs requiring significant restructuring.
The larger crowds seen during the new campaign suggest that some supporters are beginning to believe in the club’s direction again.
Leadership Changes Begin Express Rebuild
Express implemented several leadership changes after the 2025/26 season as the club sought to rebuild trust and strengthen its administration.
Kiwanuka, a former club president, returned to serve as patron. His younger brother, Ssubi Kiwanuka, became club president and chairman.
Becky Cynthia Nakimera was subsequently appointed chief executive officer. She received a mandate to improve governance, commercial development, operational efficiency and supporter engagement.
The announcement of Nakimera’s appointment described her arrival as part of an effort to establish accountability, professionalism and a sustainable future for the Red Eagles.
The club’s leadership also expressed confidence that she could connect the boardroom strategy with the work of the technical and administrative departments.
Those changes were important because renewed supporter confidence depends on more than match results. Fans also want stability, clear communication and evidence that the club is being managed professionally.
New Commercial Partners Join the Red Eagles
Express have also made progress in the commercial area, with Cornerstone and NIC Holdings Insurance joining the club’s family of partners.
Kiwanuka highlighted the partnerships as evidence that the team is improving away from the pitch. He indicated that Express expects additional commercial developments in the future.
Corporate partnerships can help clubs improve player welfare, meet operational expenses and create stronger professional structures. However, lasting commercial growth will depend on Express demonstrating consistency, transparency and value to both supporters and partners.
A committed fan base can strengthen that commercial appeal. Crowds at matches create atmosphere, increase visibility and give potential sponsors access to an active football community.
For Express, reconnecting with supporters is therefore both an emotional and commercial priority.
Byekwaso Leads Technical Reset
Express appointed Morley Byekwaso as head coach, with Edward Kaziba serving as his assistant.
The technical team oversaw a substantial recruitment programme that combined experienced players with younger talent. Their task is to turn the renewed optimism around the club into competitive performances.
The Red Eagles have shown some encouraging signs, although their league results remain inconsistent.
They began the season with a 1-0 defeat against BUL before beating KCCA 2-0 at Hamz Stadium. Express then lost 2-0 to rivals SC Villa and drew 1-1 with Kitara.
The victory over KCCA demonstrated what the team can produce, while the defeats and Kitara draw showed that further improvement is required.
Express FC’s 2026/27 League Statistics
| Statistic | Express FC record |
| Matches played | 4 |
| Wins | 1 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Defeats | 2 |
| Goals scored | 3 |
| Goals conceded | 4 |
| Goal difference | -1 |
| Points collected | 4 |
| Available points | 12 |
Express have collected one-third of the points available from their opening four fixtures. They have also scored in only two of those matches.
Byekwaso’s side must therefore improve its attacking consistency while reducing the errors that have contributed to the two defeats.
Jjonga’s equaliser against Kitara was still important because it ensured the Red Eagles avoided another loss and rewarded the supporters who backed the team at Nakivubo.
Why Supporter Trust Matters
Express are seven-time Uganda Premier League champions and have traditionally commanded one of the country’s largest football followings.
That history creates expectations. Supporters do not judge the club solely by its place in the table; they also expect leadership, organisation and a team that reflects the institution’s identity.
Kiwanuka has previously overseen a successful rebuilding period at Express. During his earlier leadership spell, the club recovered from a difficult position and eventually won the 2020/21 Uganda Premier League title under Wasswa Bbosa.
His latest involvement provides experience and a link to the club’s history. However, the current leadership must still demonstrate that its changes can create lasting stability rather than temporary optimism.
The return of supporters is an important first step. Keeping them engaged will require honest communication, improved matchday experiences and competitive performances.
NEC Test Awaits After International Break
Express will return to league action after the international break with a short trip to Lugogo to face NEC FC on 8 October.
The fixture will present another test of the Red Eagles’ progress. NEC have developed into strong domestic competitors, and Express will need greater efficiency to collect a positive result.
A victory would reinforce the sense that the club’s rebuilding programme is beginning to produce results. Another setback would not erase the administrative progress, but it would increase pressure on the technical team to convert improved performances into points.
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Conclusion
The return of Express supporters is a meaningful development for a club that endured administrative uncertainty and a fan boycott during the previous season.
Leadership changes, the appointment of a permanent CEO, new commercial partners and a restructured technical team have helped restore some belief around the Red Eagles.
However, four points from four league matches show that the recovery remains incomplete. The enthusiasm in the stands must now be matched by consistent performances on the pitch.
Express have rebuilt an important connection with their supporters. Their next challenge is to protect that renewed trust by delivering professional management, improved player welfare and results worthy of the club’s history.
