NEC FC Hold 2025/26 End-of-Season Awards Gala

NEC FC held their 2025/26 end-of-season awards ceremony on Tuesday evening at Springs Hotel in Bugolobi.

The colourful event celebrated players for their outstanding contributions throughout the season, while also honouring two departing players who officially bid farewell to the club.

Veteran goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan, who recently retired from football, and striker Paul Mucureezi were both appreciated for their service to the club during the ceremony.

Midfielder Tonny Atukunda was named the club’s Most Valuable Player following an impressive second half of the season.

Atukunda joined NEC FC from SC Villa in February this year and, despite featuring in only 11 matches, delivered several outstanding performances.

Goalkeeper Hannington Sebwalunyo emerged as one of the biggest winners of the night after claiming two awards.

The experienced shot-stopper won both the Best Goalkeeper and Fans’ Player of the Season accolades.

Mid-season signing Richard Basangwa was named Forward of the Season, while Warren Buule and Joseph Sseremba picked up the Best Defender and midfielder awards respectively.

Emmanuel Kulanga won the Goal of the Season award. He scored a stunning bicycle kick against SC Villa at Lugogo.

Each winner received an individual accolade alongside a cash prize of UGX 1 million in recognition of their performances during the campaign.

Since the appointment of coach Badru Kaddu towards the end of last year, NEC FC enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in form. Under Kaddu, the club lost only three matches — against KCCA FC, SC Villa, and Calvary FC.

The club also went on a 17-match unbeaten run and kept 13 consecutive clean sheets. NEC further reached the Uganda Cup quarterfinals, where they were eliminated by Vipers SC in a penalty shootout.

Award Winners:

• MVP: Tonny Atukunda
• Best Goalkeeper: Hannington Sebwalunyo
• Fans’ Player of the Season: Hannington Sebwalunyo
• Forward of the Season: Richard Basangwa
• Goal of the Season: Emmanuel Kulanga
• Best Defender: Warren Buule
• Best midfielder: Joseph Seremba