Explore the major arrivals and departures at all 18 Uganda Premier League clubs ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Season Preview
Uganda Premier League clubs have reshaped their squads ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with established internationals, returning players and promising domestic talent moving across the division.
The market remains open until September 26, meaning further deals could be completed. This overview reflects the transfers publicly available in Kawowo Sports’ club-by-club report and should therefore be treated as provisional.
Champions Vipers are balancing title defence with continental commitments, while KCCA, SC Villa, Kitara and NEC have recruited to close gaps. Newly promoted clubs are building squads to survive the step up.
Vipers Strengthen for Domestic and Continental Football
Defending champions Vipers SC have completed some of the window’s most eye-catching business. Farouk Miya and Ceaser Manzoki returned as free agents, while goalkeeper Loyce Marius Mbaba, Jacques Mangoba, Joel Sserunjogi, Nicholas Mwere and Nigerian defender Princewill Biwerebo Tarabina also arrived.
The Venoms have lost Taddeo Lwanga to AFC Leopards and Rogers Torach to CS Constantine. Livingstone Mulondo joined Lugazi, Grant Matsiko moved to Entebbe UPPC, and Frank Katongole signed for BUL. Despite those departures, Vipers appear equipped to defend their title while competing in the CAF Champions League.
KCCA and SC Villa Rebuild
KCCA brought Ibrahim Kasule home from New York Red Bulls II and added Yunus Sibira, Maxwell Owachigiu, Elvis Ngonde, Charles Lwanga and loanee Brian Jjara. However, a lengthy departure list includes Joel Sserunjogi, Umar Lutalo, Derrick Nsibambi, Sharif Ssengendo, Charles Lukwago and Steven Oyirwoth.
SC Villa recruited Steven Mugisha, Isaac Gumperom, Tony Zuzu Asiku, Hassan Matovu and John Asiimwe. Charles Lwanga and Elvis Ngonde went to KCCA, Misi Diego Ssemugera joined Kitara, and Jean Brady Wokorach moved to BUL. Villa’s challenge will be replacing the experience and attacking quality that left.
Kitara and NEC Add Proven Quality
Kitara signed Karim Ndugwa and Jerome Kiirya from BUL, Ssemugera from Villa and Jackson Ssembatya from NEC. Christopher Bonny, Nicholas Kasozi, Ivan Akera, Joel Mutakubwa and Martin Kiiza further deepen the squad. Muhammad Shaban, Yunus Sibira and several others departed.
NEC strengthened with Enock Tumwesigye, Henrique Lubwama, former Uganda Cranes striker Fahad Bayo and experienced defender Mustafa Mujjuzi. Their exits include Muzamir Mutyaba, Patrick Bayiga, Siraje Sentamu and Ssembatya, leaving the coaching staff to integrate important replacements quickly.
Entebbe UPPC and BUL Stay Ambitious
Entebbe UPPC were among the busiest teams. Anwar Ntege, Swadiki Moro, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Kelvin Barni, Thomas Ochungu, Sharif Ssengendo, Grant Matsiko, Reich Kokolo Triomphe, Ronald Kayondo and Yannick Mitrail arrived. Mujjuzi joined NEC, while Meddie Kyeyune moved to URA.
BUL added Cyrus Kibande, Jean Brady Wokorach, Umar Lutalo, Faizo Matovu, George Masembe, Derrick Byabachwezi, George Kaddu and Frank Katongole. The Jinja club nevertheless lost Ndugwa, Kiirya, Mugulusi, Barni, Ochungu, Isaac Wagoina, Nicholas Mwere and other squad members.
Express Lead Another Busy Group
Express completed an extensive recruitment drive featuring Alpha Thierry Ssali, Mathias Kigonya, Shafik Batambuze, Isaac Wagoina, Nicholas Jjonga and several younger players. Marvin Nyanzi, Elvis Ssekajugo, Mikdad Ssenyonga and Marvin Praise Wambuga were among those who joined URA.
Police recruited Ali Bayo, Rogers Kiwanuka, Ivan Mayanja and several lower-league prospects. Lugazi added Livingstone Mulondo, Brian Ade, Cromwell Rwothomio and Jamaldeen Buchochera among 11 arrivals, while Mbarara City secured Brian Aheebwa, Rogers Mugisha and Ivan Bogere.
Maroons signed Patrick Bayiga, Derrick Mwere and Derrick Ochan. URA’s arrivals also include Sharif Lubega and Eric Okutu, although Derrick Ochan, Fred Amaku and Rahmat Ssenfuka departed.
Promoted Clubs Prepare for Survival
Kigezi Home Boyz brought in Osman Mayanja, Norman Angufindru and Benjamin Gakumba but lost Enock Tumwesigye and Allan Egaku Gerald. Ntugasaze recruited Charles Batiibwe Okello, Apollo Kagogwe, Jacob Opar and several emerging players.
Blacks Power added Bashir Asiku, Joseph Kizza, Joseph Enyabu, Eric Nyonyitono and Donati Okello. UPDF signed Innocent Asiimwe, Innocent Ongurucho, Derrick Kato, Derrick Talemwa and Musa Matovu, while Kataka’s listed arrival was former Mbarara City player Francis Odong.
What the Transfer Window Means
The market shows increased movement between UPL rivals, with clubs prioritising players who already understand Ugandan football. Vipers have combined established names with continental experience, KCCA have pursued attacking renewal, and Express have undertaken one of the division’s largest rebuilds.
New signings do not automatically guarantee improvement. Coaches must establish combinations, fitness and tactical balance, while late transfers could still change the picture before the window closes.
Ugandans aged 25 and above can review UPL markets on Bangbet Uganda, but odds never guarantee results. Gambling involves financial risk and should be treated as entertainment, not income. Set limits and avoid chasing losses.
End Note
Vipers, Kitara, KCCA and Entebbe UPPC have made particularly notable additions, while Express deserves attention for the scale of their rebuild. The strongest business, however, will only become clear when the new players translate their reputations into consistent performances on the pitch.
