The spotlight shifts to Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Thursday evening as traditional rivals Express FC and SC Villa lock horns in a city derby that carries weight at both ends of the Uganda Premier League table.
For Express, the encounter comes at a critical moment. The Red Eagles sit only two points clear of the relegation places and are eager to extend their recent recovery and climb further away from danger.
SC Villa, on the other hand, arrive in fourth position, firmly in the hunt for the title and determined to narrow the gap on the teams above them.
However, Express head into the showdown with distractions off the field.
The club has been rocked by reports that several influential players are set to depart once the transfer window opens on February 1.
Muhamad Ssenoga, popularly known as Kagawa, alongside Richard Basangwa, Hakim Wandera and John Asiimwe are all believed to be close to exits.
Assistant coach Richard Malinga has already confirmed his departure, further unsettling the camp ahead of the derby.
SC Villa appear better placed in terms of stability and squad depth. The Jogoos welcome back Uganda Cranes duo David Owori and Reagan Mpande, who were absent before the AFCON break.
Defensive reinforcements also arrive with the return of centre-back Geoffrey Lubangakene, who has served his suspension following a red card picked up against Maroons.
Although Villa go into the match as favourites, history suggests caution is required. Express claimed a dramatic 1–0 victory in this same fixture last season with a late strike that had a significant impact on the title race, derailing Vipers’ bid to retain the crown.
That said, recent head-to-head meetings lean heavily in Villa’s favour. They have emerged victorious in five of the last six encounters, with Express managing just one win during that stretch.
As the floodlights come on at Nakivubo, pride, momentum and vital league points will all be on the line in a derby that rarely disappoints.
