Under Badru Kaddu, last season’s young player of the year is in safe hands to shine even brighter. Photo/Bata Images
Daniel NSUBUGA
With less than 48 hours left to the kick of the 2026/27 season, we look at some of the brightest prospects, less known but likely to illuminate the Uganda Premier League.
Some have already made some appearances and others are expected to make breakthroughs. Our main focus was pointed at those that are under the age of 21.
1. Enrique Lubwama (NEC FC)
Son to former Vipers SC captain Robert Kimuli, Lubwama made his topflight debut last term with army side UPDF FC and has since not looked back.
His eye catching performances capped by a goal, earned him the award for best young player of the season where he beat SC Villa’s Raymond Barasa Mangoli and new teammate Hakim Wandera.
Lubwama exhibited mature displays during the Super 8 tournament and promises to be a hit this term. No wonder NEC tied him down on a three year contract
2. Steven Yiga (Express FC)
The former St. Mary’s Kitende crafty winger has been a house hold name in the Pepsi University league and Masaza Cup, his decision to elevate to the more demanding Premier league was touted as bold by many.
He was among the stars of last season’s Uganda Cup edition after scoring four goals for non league side Football Classroom
Yiga is blessed with pace, bags of skill and an eye for goal.
3. Raymond Barasa Mangoli (SC Villa)
This will be his second season after breaking out last term, we expect him to produce more commanding displays in a Villa side that is short of experience and exposure.
His calm and composed style with a good passing range will be very key in Villa’s preference to build from the back. He however looked rusty during the Super 8 but two weeks is a lot of time in football.
4 . Hakim Wandera (NEC FC)
He has made the left back position his own in Kaddu Badru’s experienced team.
Wandera only joined NEC mid last season from Express FC and managed to play all 15 second round games, providing three assists in the process.
He is blessed with a ferocious shot and good ball carrying abilities. NEC’s officially assigned priority set piece takers.
5. Amour Munogera (Vipers SC )
The light skinned midfielder joined Vipers SC in 2024 after starring and being named MVP in the Masaza Cup.
Just like his predecessors who struggled after elevating from Masaza Cup, Munogera was no exception to struggles.
Last term, he managed 72 minutes in Vipers’ final league match against Express and he walked home with the Man of the match award.
He was accorded some minutes in the CECAFA Kagame Cup which points to good times ahead. Another one to watch out for.
6. Steven Mugisha (SC Villa)
Easy transitions from the non leagues and Masaza Cup is not for everyone, only Ronald Ssekiganda and Patrick Jonah Kakande have done it for Villa in the recent past, but it’s too early for Steven Mugisha who was dismissed by a few skeptics following his shaky performances in the previous season Super 8 tournament.
A replacement for Diego Misi Semugera, Mugisha joined Villa from Kira United after featuring for Bulemeezi in the Masaza Cup but struggled to produce assuring shows despite being billed by many as a huge potential .
He has a big season ahead in the midfield for Uganda’s record champions.
7. Ismail Fahad (KCCA FC)
Produced exciting performances every time he came on for Brian Senyondo’s Super 8 winning team. If accorded more playing time, the national U-20 player will surely make a telling contribution in KCCA’s quest to end a seven year major trophy drought.
