NEC head to Bombo Barracks this afternoon to face UPDF FC in the Round of 32 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup, with kick off set for 3:00 PM EAT on February 26, 2026.
The tie is a straight knockout fixture. If the match is level after 90 minutes, it will go directly to penalties with no extra time played. A place in the Round of 16 is on the line.
This will be the first ever Uganda Cup meeting between NEC FC and UPDF, adding fresh context to a fixture that has developed in recent seasons. It also presents NEC with an opportunity to secure a maiden victory at Bombo Barracks.
The competition, now in its 52nd edition, brings together clubs from across the country in a single elimination format. NEC reached this stage after eliminating Mabira FC in Kasese in the Round of 64. UPDF advanced after knocking out Nsambya Sports Club and were handed home advantage in the February 18 draw.
League history between the sides points to a tight contest. Since NEC’s promotion to the Uganda Premier League, the two teams have met five times. NEC hold the edge with two wins and three draws, keeping UPDF winless and recording four clean sheets in the process.
However, Bombo has proved difficult ground. All three draws in that run came at Bombo Barracks, while NEC’s two victories were secured at home. Breaking that pattern is now the immediate objective.
Progress to the Round of 16 would keep NEC’s hopes of domestic silverware alive and maintain a possible pathway to CAF Confederation Cup qualification.
