Financial instability at Express FC has come into sharp focus, with the club’s playing staff reportedly going an entire season without receiving salaries.
While concerns over the Red Eagles’ financial health have circulated in recent years, they had largely remained unconfirmed publicly.
That changed after head coach Jimmy Kintu Mweru openly addressed the situation following a 3-1 victory over Police FC at Nakivubo on Wednesday.
“What is happening is not right and we call upon FUFA to intervene. This is a historic club and we don’t deserve to be struggling like this,” Kintu said in an interview with Sports Journalist, Sharon Nakayiwa.
“People cannot go this long without receiving salaries. This is not a charity organisation, players have contracts and they must be honoured.”
Despite the financial strain, players have continued to fulfil their obligations, although motivation levels have understandably been affected.
The coaching staff has had to work hard to keep the squad focused amid growing uncertainty.
“We gather them and prepare for matches because it’s their responsibility, but the situation is not right,” Kintu added. “They have families, they share their challenges with us, and there’s little we can do to support them financially.”
NBS Sport understands that players have not received any salaries throughout the current campaign, with some staff reportedly going even longer without pay.
The situation has taken a psychological toll, further complicating team management.
“It becomes difficult at times. You try to encourage them, but you also have to understand what they are going through,” Kintu noted.
“That’s why we are asking FUFA to engage the club owners, something can be done to improve the situation.”
The club’s leadership structure has also faced instability. Chairman Kiryowa Kiwanuka has not been closely involved in day-to-day operations, leaving oversight to Ssubi Kiwanuka.
Express are also operating without a CEO following the suspension of Ashraf Miiro over alleged match-fixing related to last season’s heavy defeat to Kitara FC.
In the absence of structured financial backing, support has come in fragments.
Businessman Hamis Kiggundu and Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, among other well-wishers, have occasionally contributed to player welfare.
However, these stop-gap measures fall short of providing a sustainable financial model.
The ongoing uncertainty has impacted squad stability, with key players leaving and recruitment often conducted under constrained terms. Unsurprisingly, performances on the pitch have suffered.
Express currently sit 10th on the table with 26 points from 22 matches.
Their last league triumph came in the 2020/21 season. Without a structured financial solution, the club’s short- and long-term competitiveness remains under threat.
